Crystal Palace had the worst possible start to the season. After the first seven-game weeks, the team was sitting on zero points having lost all seven matches. It eventually led to the sacking of manager Frank De Boer and the Dutchman was replaced by Roy Hodgson. The change did not have an immediate effect but the big turnaround came with a win against champions Chelsea.
A turnaround of sorts has come since then and Palace are now standing on the 15th spot on the Premier League table. The Palace players who had been inconsistent and unimpressive, to say the least, are showing signs of hard work and churning out decent performances.
Moreover, it was exposed that missing Christian Benteke was not the only reason for the club suffering this season. Their midfield leaders Yohan Cabaye and James McArthur have been poor and naturally despite having some fast attackers like Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend in the side there has not been enough supply of balls for them to play with.
With Palace having plenty of injuries to deal with, it has been yet another headache for Hodgson. The Palace boss is without impressive youngster Ruben Loftus-Cheek who had an impressive start to the season but an unfortunate injury ruled him out of further action this season. Hodgson’s defence is also particularly worth worrying with plenty of key players including the likes of Martin Kelly, Julian Speroni and Scott Dann missing in action. The latest player to be ruled out is Wilfried Zaha, with the manager confirming that the winger is likely to be on the sidelines for about a month.
Here is how the former England manager will look to set his side up for the exciting clash versus Tottenham Hotspur.
Formation: 4-3-3
Defence:
Julian Speroni was replaced in goal by Wayne Hennessey and the Welshman will be expected to continue in goal for Palace.
In the centre back positions, with Scott Dann ruled out, James Tomkins will start with Timothy Fosu-Mensah.
Joel Ward is expected to continue in right back for Crystal Palace with Jeffrey Schlupp expected to make way for Patrick Van Aanholt.
Midfield
A 3 man midfield can be expected with Luka Milvojevic and Yohan Cabaye can be expected to sit deep and man the midfield with James McArthur up ahead of them as the third midfielder.
Attack
Andros Townsend and new man Alexander Sorloth will be expected on the right and left wing respectively with Christian Benteke expected to lead the line.
