Predicted Crystal Palace Lineup To Face Hull City
Crystal Palace will go head to head against fellow relegation battlers Hull City in the Premier League at the Selhurst Park on Sunday, in a clash that could decide the fate of the Eagles.
Sam Allardyce’s side sit 16th in the league standings, 4 points above their Sunday’s opponents who occupy the final relegation spot. With just 2 more matches left to be played, avoiding a defeat in this encounter would confirm Palace staying up in Premier League next season. The last time the two teams met, they played out a high-scoring 3-3 draw at the KCom Arena. But nothing less than a win will do for Palace and Allardyce on Sunday.
Team News
It is unlikely that Palace will have defensive duo James Tomkins and Scott Dann back for the encounter on Sunday, while midfielder Yohan Cabaye too may miss out after having not played last week due to a knock. On-loan defender Mamadou Sakho has been ruled out for the season, along with Papa Souare and Connor Wickham.
Probable Crystal Palace Starting XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Sam Allardyce
Wayne Hennessey (GK)
The Welshman hasn’t managed to keep a lot of clean sheets this season (6). He will need to be at his best for Palace to get a win against Marco Silva’s side on Sunday.
Joel Ward (RB)
An ever-present in the starting XI throughout the course of the season, the 27-year old right-back will have to deal with the threat of Kamil Grosicki.
Martin Kelly (CB)
The former Liverpool man has done a decent job filling in at centre-half with so many defensive injuries. He will have to continue in the makeshift position on Sunday.
Jeffrey Schlupp (CB)
Another full-back playing as a centre-half, Jeffrey Schlupp did not have a great time last week against City. He will need to step it up against Hull.
Patrick van Aanholt (LB)
The left-back provides a lot of flair down the flanks with his attacking intent. Has the potential to produce that moment of quality in the game.
Luka Milivojevic (CM)
The January signing has been a good addition to the squad, but after the thrashing against City, he will have to do a better job of shielding his backline.
James McArthur (CM)
With Cabaye an injury doubt, the 29-year old James McArthur is expected to continue in the middle of the park and add that thrust going forward.
Wilfried Zaha (RW)
The 24-year old has been Palace’s best player this season. He will be the biggest threat to Hull with his pace and direct running.
Jason Puncheon (CAM)
The 30-year old midfielder will slot in the hole behind the striker and look to pull the strings from there. He will captain the side in Scott Dann’s absence.
Andros Townsend (LW)
The Englishman has scored thrice and has set up 7 more goals this season. He will start on the left-flank and look to stretch the opposition.
Christian Benteke (ST)
The Belgian international has scored 14 league goals this season. Another goal or two against Hull will ensure that his team stay up for another season.