Crystal Palace are hosting Burnley for their Premier League fixture at Selhurst Park tomorrow. The Eagles are enjoying a good run of form in recent weeks and have dug themselves out of the relegation spot. Luka Milivojevic’s 80th-minute side-footed effort earned Roy Hodgson’s men a surprising yet crucial win against Southampton in their last league tie.
Palace have just lost once in their last 11 fixtures and are climbing their way back up the table. Roy Hodgson’s influence has been significant adding a lot of defensive and offensive structure to the side. Wilfried Zaha’s performances have drawn a lot of interest from top-tier sides like Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur but the London side are reluctant to part ways with him at least for the rest of the season.
The side bowed out of the FA Cup after a 2-1 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion on Tuesday. This is not the worst result the fans can expect as the club can now completely concentrate on their Premier League finish now that the gruelling second half of the season is already upon us.
Burnley is having a brilliant season as well but somehow lost their grip on their wheel against Liverpool last week. Sean Dyche’s defensive setup could not hold out the superior attacking talents of the Reds who snatched the three points away from them with a 1-2 victory.
Hodgson is expected to field his men in the 4-3-3 formation.
Defence
Wayne Hennessey might get the nod ahead of Julian Speroni for this fixture having appeared in the last two league matches. Hodgson is currently looking for a shot-stopper to take over the responsibilities ahead of the duo.
Martin Kelly and James Tomkins are expected to pair up centrally in the back four. Scott Dann has been ruled out with an uncertain return date.
Jeffrey Schlupp has also picked up a long-term injury and might get replaced by Patrick van Aanholt in the left back position. Timothy Fosu-Mensah has been impressive in recent weeks and should start from the right.
Midfield
Luka Milivojevic and James McArthur might appear in the holding midfield role. The duo will have heavy defensive responsibilities against the likes of Jeff Hendrick and Jack Cork.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has returned from injury and is expected to make a substitute appearance with Yohan Cabaye taking up the attacking midfield role.
Attack
Even with his one goal tally for the season, Christian Benteke is the best threat in the number nine role and should get the nod for this fixture.
He might get flanked by Wilfried Zaha on the left with Bakary Sako on the right.
