The mood at Crystal Palace should be hunky-dory as they went past Manchester United in the Premier League at Old Trafford for the first time since 1989. Next, they will host League Two outfit Colchester United at Selhurst Park in the second round of the Carabao Cup game. John McGreal’s side sits 17th in the English fourth tier, and the Eagles should go in as heavy favourites for this clash.
Hodgson will look to continue with the good momentum, but this game will give him an excellent chance to check out some squad players. We can expect some changes to be made as Palace prepare to take on Colchester who won the first round clash against Swindon Town 3-0.
Team News: Palace’s two main centre backs Mamadou Sakho and James Tomkins are yet to recover from their long term injuries.
Crystal Palace Predicted Lineup Vs Colchester United
Formation (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Wayne Hennessey is expected to start over Guaita in goal for this cup tie. 20-year-old defender Sam Woods might get the nod to start at the back in this clash. The more experienced Scott Dann could partner him. Martin Kelly and Gary Cahill could be rested as they played the last Premier League game.
Patrick Van Aanholt might continue at left-back after he scored the winner against Manchester United. Joel Ward is likely to start at right-back with the club not having too many options for that position.
Midfield
Young star Jaïro Riedewald might get a start in a deep role in midfield. With Palace likely to dominate the game, he might be seen moving up the pitch as well.
Exciting summer signing Victor Camarasa is definitely in line to start in this tie. The midfielder impressed for Cardiff City on loan last season and Palace will hope that he can show promising signs in this cup game. Another summer signing James McCarthy is likely to partner him in midfield.
Wilfried Zaha is unlikely to play in this game, and Max Meyer might get the nod to start on the left flank. Andros Townsend is expected to start on the right after he only came on as a substitute in the last game.
Attack
Connor Wickham is seemingly the third choice striker, and he might feel that this will be the game for him to impress. But we think that Christian Benteke should be given a start as Hodgson needs him to be firing on all cylinders. The Belgian only came on as a late substitute in the last game.
