Crystal Palace got a huge scare amidst a brilliant reviving run in the Premier League last week as Burnley got an unlikely win at Selhurst Park. And given that it was Clarets’ first away win in the whole season, Palace will have to take a closer look at themselves.
The loss has placed them closer to 18th placed Swansea City in the bottom half of the table and with just three games to go, the Eagles will have to win at least one of the remaining three fixtures to ensure a safe passage. And given the opponents they will be facing, it won’t be an easy task by any means.
Sam Allardyce’s men faced Manchester City, Manchester United and Hull City. And while the Manchester fixtures will be tough for obvious reasons, Hull City will be determined to keep themselves above Swansea with all their might.
Palace visit Etihad Stadium next to face Manchester City, who are struggling to win games of late; and given their success against Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal, Allardyce will fancy a win this Saturday. Though Palace doesn’t enjoy a good record against City of late, losing eight of their last nine games, City’s latest faltering will surely give them encouragement.
Possible Crystal Palace XI vs Manchester City
Defence
Wayne Hennessey will continue to take his position under the bar. The Wales international has been impressive for Palace in the closing stages of the season. The manager trusts him enough to keep Steven Mandanda below in the pecking order.
Patrick van Aanholt returned to the starting line-up last game ahead of Jeffery Schlupp on the bench. But, the way thing turned out, we expect Allardyce to bring back the former Leicester side back in the left back’s role. Joel Ward will take his position as the right-back.
The central defence will be taken by Damien Delany and Martin Kelly. Since Mamadou Sakho was ruled out for the season with a knee injury against Tottenham Hotspur, Palace haven’t won a game and it’s time they break the psychological barrier.
Midfield
The double pivot will be played by Luka Milivojevic and Yohan Cabaye. After the unfortunate loss against Tottenham Hotspur, the balancing act in the middle of the park has been disrupted. They have to buck up fast before Palace further goes down. While Allardyce opted for Jason Puncheon alongside Milivojevic last game, the wrong result is expected to spur a change.
The playmaker’s role should be taken by James McArthur. The Scottish international didn’t have the best of games last week and would hope for a positive result this time.
Attack
The flanks will be taken by the dynamic duo of Andros Townsend and Wilfred Zaha. And Christian Benteke will spearhead the attack.
Benteke
Zaha – McArthur – Townsend
Milivojevic – Cabaye
Schlupp – Delaney – Kelly – Ward
Hennessey
