Crystal Palace have been an enigma this season. They might sit on the 14th spot right now, but most of the clubs of the Premier League would agree that they are one of the most, if not the most dangerous side to face outside of the top 10. The team has a tendency to do well against heavyweight sides as Roy Hodgson’s side are perfectly set up to play on the counter.
However, the Eagles have lacked a prolific striker for quite some time now as Christian Benteke has spent most of his time on the injury table. Therefore it was no surprise that the club went in for a striker in January and they managed to pull off a massive coup as they secured the signing of Michy Batshuayi on loan from Chelsea for the rest of the season.
That will add more pace to their attack, and the teams who have played them twice already would be glad that they are done with playing them. Here is how we think they could lineup when all their players are fit including the new signing.
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Wayne Hennessey is currently out with an injury, and Roy Hodgson would be a concerned man for now. However, there is no doubt that he would start in goal once he is fully fit. James Tomkins and Mamadou Sakho are strong and committed defenders and they are going to continue as the first choice defensive pair.
Out wide on the right, Aaron Wan Bissaka has been a revelation. Whether it’s his pace or crossing or defending, the fullback has all the elements of a modern day fullback and the Eagles would definitely find it hard in the future to keep hold of him. Patrick Van Aan Holt is also an able left back with a lot of pace, and that is what makes the Eagles a dangerous proposition on the counter.
Midfield
James McArthur is a decisive man to have in midfield, and his work rate is often impressive. Cheikhou Kouyate has done his defensive job well, and the duo often acts as a good cover for the back four. Luka Milivojevic is someone who can provide good quality on the ball, and he can transition the ball quickly into attack.
Attack
Andros Townsend has impressive pace and is often tough to dispossess when on the ball. To go with that, he has a mean left foot and is just about the perfect player to play in a counter-attacking system. He is Hodgson’s go-to man to start from the left. Wilfried Zaha is one of the best players outside of the top six clubs, and he is often tough to contain in one on one situations. He will occupy the left wing spot. New signing, Michy Batshuayi should start up front, and his pace and goalscoring instincts could make him a hit at Selhurst Park.
