Predicted Crystal Palace Line-up To Face Manchester City In The Premier League
Crystal Palace will continue their search for their first point in the Premier League this season, when they take on league leaders Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this Saturday.
The Eagles have had a disastrous start to their league campaign and sit at rock bottom in the table, without a single point so far from five games. Last week, they were handed a 1-0 defeat at the Selhurst Park by Southampton, in what was new manager Roy Hodgson’s first game in-charge. They did win their Carabao Cup game in the midweek, beating Huddersfield Town 1-0, but Pep Guardiola’s side will present a challenge of a whole new level for Hodgson and Palace.
Team News
Wilfried Zaha remains unavailable for selection for the Eagles, along with Connor Wickham. Apart from those two, there are no other concerns for Hodgson coming into the game.
Here’s how the Eagles could line up against the table toppers come Saturday:
Manager: Roy Hodgson
Formation: 4-1-4-1
Wayne Hennessey (GK)
Having sat on the bench for Tuesday night’s encounter, the Welsh shot-stopper could make his way back into the playing XI for Saturday’s game.
Joel Ward (RB)
The Englishman was another who was found on the bench for the cup game, but is likely to replace Martin Kelly in the line-up.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah (CB)
The loanee from Manchester United has impressed each time he has featured for the Eagles. Should return to the starting XI in place of James Tomkins.
Mamadou Sakho (CB)
The Frenchman made his second debut for Palace in the cup game and immediately made a difference. Should keep his place in the heart of the defence.
Jeffrey Schlupp (LB)
The former Leicester City man has looked good in the left-back role. Played 45 minutes in the cup tie, albeit in an advanced role. But should resume duties in the backline for Saturday.
Jairo Riedewald (DM)
The summer signing from Ajax started in the defensive midfield role against Huddersfield Town and impressed heavily. Should start once again on Saturday.
Andros Townsend (RW)
Has been the creative spark for the side from the wide areas, in the absence of Wilfried Zaha. A definite starter on the right flank.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (CM)
The youngster on loan from Chelsea is another player who has impressed heavily in the short time he has been with Palace. Having been rested for the midweek game, he will start in the midfield and provide the thrust going forward.
Jason Puncheon (CM)
The captain was rested for the game against the Terriers. Should come back into the starting XI on Saturday.
Bakary Sako (LW)
The goal-scorer in the cup tie, Sako made his first start of the season on Tuesday and impressed. Should be retained in the side, on the left wing.
Christian Benteke (ST)
The big Belgian is struggling for form and is low on confidence. But he should be backed by the manager as he can prove to be a genuine match-winner on his day.
Comments are closed.