Crystal Palace have finally won a match again. Yet having collected all 3 points this weekend they are a team still in deep trouble. Sitting at the rock bottom of the English Premier League, the Palace team look well on their way down to the Championships. Frank De Boer was sacked after the club was left winless for over 6 games and Roy Hodgson since his arrival has done only slightly better by collecting 8 points in his quota of games. His team sit at the bottom on 8 points, a point away from the 19th placed Swansea City and 3 points off the safety zone.
The Palace players have been inconsistent and unimpressive, to say the least. Missing Christian Benteke is not the only reason for the club suffering this season. Their midfield leaders Yohan Cabaye and James McArthur have been poor and despite having some decent attackers like Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend in the side, there has not been enough supply of balls for them to play with. With Benteke back in the side, he will be expected to start the midweek game against Brighton and Hove Albion.
In defence, Wayne Hennessey put in a solid performance in place of Julian Speroni and might just hold on to his place. Another starter guaranteed will be Chelsea’s loanee Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The Englishman has been in good form lately and will want to continue his hot streak.
Here is look at how Roy Hodgson will want to set his men up for a clash they will be looking to win a rare 3 points from.
Formation: 4-3-3
Defence
Julian Speroni was replaced on goal by Wayne Hennessey last week and the Welshman will be expected to continue in goal for Palace.
In the centre back position, Scott Dann is expected to return in place of James Tomkins while Mamadou Sakho, who scored the 92nd-minute winner for Palace on Saturday against Stoke City. is expected to be his partner in the heart of the Palace defence.
Joel Ward is expected to continue in right back for Crystal Palace with Jeffrey Schlupp expected to make way for Patrick Van Aanholt, after being tired from the weekend match.
Midfield
Hodgson will have to adjust the incoming Benteke without pushing Townsend or Zaha down the pitch. So James McArthur and Yohan Cabaye can be expected to sit deep and man the midfield with Ruben Loftus-Cheek up ahead of them as the third midfielder.
Attack
Andros Townsend and Wilfried Zaha will be expected on the right and left wing respectively with Christian Benteke expected to lead the line. Here is how they might line up:
