Alan Pardew is back in the Premier League and his first opponent is none other than Crystal Palace. Pardew has been appointed as the new manager of West Bromwich Albion and his first assignment will be against his former side.
The Baggies are set to host the Eagles what could be a very interesting affair. West Brom drew their last two matches including a commendable 1-1 with Tottenham Hotspur.
There is currently a thin line between West Brom and relegation zone and Pardew’s first work would be to win the confidence of his players so that he can inject a belief among the side.
On the other hand, Crystal Palace had a miserable start to the season but the arrival of Roy Hodgson at the Selhurst Park has shifted the momentum in their favour and picked up their second win against Stoke City.
It is going to be a relegation battle as the winning team would have an advantage over the fellow relegation strugglers. Crystal Palace happened to be the last club Pardew managed in the Premier League, so the manager would love to get the better of his former employers.
Predicted 3-5-2 West Bromwich Albion Starting Lineup Against Crystal Palace
Defence
Ben Foster will be between the sticks for the home side. Pardew is unlikely to tweak with the current first choice and the former Manchester United keeper will be there on the pitch.
Gary Megson preferred Allan Nyom but Pardew could use Gareth McAuley in the defence. Johny Evans is an automatic choice while Ahmed Hegazi will join them in the backline.
Midfield
The Baggies have a pretty exciting lineup of midfielder and it is up to the new manager whom he opts to give a start.
Jake Livermore will be at the centre of the pitch. The English international’s form has been quite good and he will be in the thick of things. Sam Field was the best player against Newcastle so he will get another chance to impress the new boss.
Gareth Barry has been pretty impressive and the veteran midfielder will start alongside Field in the midfield.
Matty Phillips started as a right wingback and the baggies no. 10 will hold on to his position.
Kieran Gibbs will be operating from the left side.
Attack
Salomon Rondon endured a hard time but he has shown he can be trusted and Pardew is set to unleash the big Venezuelan against Palace.
Jay Rodriguez will be his strike partner.
