Predicted Crystal Palace Lineup To Face Huddersfield Town On The Opening Day Of The Premier League Campaign
Crystal Palace will kick off the 2017/18 Premier League campaign against the newly-promoted Huddersfield Town, at the Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon.
The Eagles survived relegation last season by the slightest of margins and will be hoping to avoid a similar fate under new manager Frank de Boer. The manager will also be keen on proving himself, after a poor tenure at Inter Milan last summer and has already shaken things up in terms of tactics already, looking to mould the team into his own ideals.
Team News
The Eagles are likely to be without midfielder Yohan Cabaye who is recovering from an injury he picked up in pre-season. Conor Wickham and Papa Souare are long-term absentees.
Manager: Frank de Boer
Formation: 3-4-3
Wayne Hennessey (GK)
The Welshman is the first-choice keeper for the Eagles, with just veteran stopper Julian Speroni as the other option in the squad.
Scott Dann (CB)
With the manager preferring to use a three-man defence, Scott Dann is very much likely to occupy one of the three spots.
Luka Milivojevic (CB)
The midfielder was used as a central defender throughout the pre-season and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him continue here in the opener.
Jairo Riedewald (CB)
The 20-year old demonstrated great ability during the pre-season, having arrived from Ajax in the summer. Will start on the left-hand side of the three-man backline.
Andros Townsend (RWB)
The 26-year old has been used in an unfamiliar wing-back role by the new manager and he has performed reasonably well. Will start in the same position.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (CM)
With Cabaye doubtful, the loanee from Chelsea is likely to get the nod in the middle of the park for the tie against the Terriers.
Jason Puncheon (CM)
The newly appointed captain, Jason Puncheon will partner the youngster in the midfield. Will have to burden the creative responsibilities going forward.
Patrick van Aanholt (LWB)
A toughie, with both Van Aanholt and Jeffrey Schlupp doing quite well during the pre-season. But, the balance may tilt in favour of the Dutchman.
Wilfried Zaha (RW)
Palace’s best player last season, Zaha has inked a new deal with the club and has looked in good form. A sure starter on the right-hand side of the front three.
Christian Benteke (ST)
The big man will spearhead the attack for the Eagles. Him hitting the ground running will be extremely important for the club’s fortunes.
Jason Lokilo (LW)
The youngster heavily impressed the manager in the pre-season and looks set for a spot in the first-team, given that De Boer isn’t afraid to back young talents.