Crystal Palace endured another disappointing loss at the hands of their east London rivals, West Ham United in their last match at the London stadium. The defeat has pushed them further down in the Premier League table as Roy Hodgson’s men are currently in the 16th position, getting closer to the dreaded relegation zone. They need all three points from their next match against Leicester City to ensure some breathing room in this impending relegation fight.
The Eagles have lost ten matches so far this season, complicating their stay in the Premier League. However, they would have to dish out a strong performance against the Foxes, as Puel’s men themselves faced a crushing defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur in their last outing.
Team News
Apart from the long-term absentee Christian Benteke, ace defenders Patrick van Aanholt and James Tomkins are also unavailable for the next fixture. While the Dutch left-back van Aanholt is struggling with a shoulder injury, the central defensive ace Tomkins is suspended for this tie due to his fifth booking of the season that he picked up against West Ham United. But the major blow for the Eagles comes in the form of talisman Wilfried Zaha, who also picked up his fifth booking of the season against the Hammers, thereby missing out from the next game.
Goalkeeper
Wayne Hennessey will start in goal for the south London club once again.
Defence
With Patrick van Aanholt and James Tomkins unavailable, Hodgson would have to start with Scott Dann and Martin Kelly. While the former will pair up with Mamadou Sakho in the heart of the Palace defence, Kelly would put in a shift from the left. Aaron Wan Bissaka will start as the right back.
Midfield
Skipper Luka Milivojevic and Cheikhou Kouyate will start in central midfield and would look build the game from the base of midfield. Max Meyer will put in his shift from the left side of midfield, accompanied by James McArthur from the right.
Attack
With Zaha unavailable for the next match, it would be Jordan Ayew who leads the line, alongside Andros Townsend, against Leicester City.
Predicted Formation: 4-4-2
