Crystal Palace were put to the sword last weekend as they fell to a 4-1 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates. They slipped to the 13th place in the points table after the defeat but have a chance to move into the top half of the table this week, when the Premier League is back in town.
The Eagles face another local derby as they travel to London Stadium, to take on a depleted West Ham side are just a point above Palace in the league table. They are fresh from a 1-1 draw vs Bournemouth at home in the previous round of the competition and will look to take all three points from this game. Hodgson’s men have been in decent form recently and will fight with a strong XI. Here is the predicted lineup Palace might field for this tie:
Team News:
The manager is still without the likes of Jeffrey Schlupp, Connor Wickham Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Scott Dann and Jason Puncheon, who are all already ruled out for this game. However, the Eagles will see Mamadou Sakho and Yohan Cabaye up for selection, for the first time in a while. Jaroslaw Jach and Erdal Rakip, Palace’s new signings this month, are also available for this game.
Expected lineup (4-4-2):
Defence:
Julian Speroni is no longer the first choice for Hodgson this season and Wayne Hennessey is expected to keep his place under the bar against West Ham. Young Timothy Fosu-Mensah has done a decent job in the backline but Joel Ward could get his chance at right back in this tie while Patrick van Aanholt is expected to start at left back.
James Tomkins has been a regular at the back for the Eagles and should keep his place in the side at the back while Mamadou Sakho, who is finally back from injury, could partner him at CB.
Midfield:
Luka Milivojevic has provided the right balance for the side in the midfield. He has been effective even in games Palace have lost and will have a tough task against the Hammers this week. He should be partnered by James McArthur, who has found some form recently. Both the players will look to stay compact and give the hosts not space in the midfield.
Adding width to the attack should be Andros Townsend, who is expected to start on the right wing in the midfield. He will look to get the better of the likes of Aaron Creswell and keep West Ham under pressure. Wilfried Zaha, who will surely be the danger man for Moyes’ side, is expected to keep his place on the left flank.
Attack:
Christian Benteke is yet to find goalscoring form but has previously been effective against West Ham. He will look to add some goals and give his side a shot at all three points in this game. He should be partnered by Bakary Sako, who will do all the running, trying to unsettle the West Ham backline.
Here is how they might line up:
