Predicted Crystal Palace Line-Up To Face Southampton In The Premier League
Crystal Palace will look to begin the Roy Hodgson era with a win, when they take on Southampton at the Selhurst Park in an early kick-off game on Saturday.
The Eagles sacked Frank de Boer from the managerial post earlier this week, after their disastrous start to the new season, that has seen them lose all four of their Premier League games so far, with the latest being a 1-0 loss away to Burnley. Palace haven’t managed to score a single goal this season in the league as well and Hodgson has a huge task of getting their season back on track.
Team News
Defender James Tomkins remains a doubt for the game due to a groin injury, while Chelsea loanee Ruben Loftus-Cheek could return to the squad. Attackers Bakary Sako, Connor Wickham and Wilfried Zaha are all ruled out for the game, while Papa Souare too is unavailable.
Here’s how Palace could take the field for the first game under the former England boss:
Manager: Roy Hodgson
Formation: 4-3-3
Wayne Hennessey (GK)
The Welshman is the only viable option available in goal for the Eagles and will start the game at Selhurst Park.
Joel Ward (RB)
The Englishman hasn’t had the best of starts this season and will need to step up if Palace are to turn things around.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah (CB)
The loanee from Manchester United has been one of the more decent performers for the Eagles in the poor start and should keep his place in the line-up.
Scott Dann (CB)
The 30-year old will partner the young Fosu-Mensah in the heart of the defence and render the experience in the backline.
Patrick van Aanholt (LB)
Having been left out of the starting XI last week, Patrick van Aanholt could be in line for a return to the fold against the Saints.
James McArthur (CM)
The only goal-scorer for the Eagles this season, having struck twice in the cup encounter, the Scotsman could get a starting berth again.
Luka Milivojevic (DM)
Reinstating the Serbian midfielder could be a smart move by Hodgson as he will add steel to the midfield.
Jason Puncheon (CM)
The third midfield slot will most likely be taken up by Jason Puncheon. Needs to start pulling his weight or risk losing his place.
Andros Townsend (RW)
Another player who has had a relatively bright start, Townsend should continue on the right-hand side of the attacking trident against the Saints.
Christian Benteke (ST)
The big man from Belgium hasn’t scored a single goal yet this season. He needs to start firing on all cylinders if things are to change at Selhurst Park.
Jeffrey Schlupp (LW)
The former Leicester City man could find himself in a more advanced role on the left flank, after Lee Chung-Yong’s horror display last week.