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Sakho Out, Delaney Starts: Strongest 4-2-3-1 Crystal Palace Line-Up To Face Liverpool

Crystal Palace

Predicted Crystal Palace Lineup To Face Liverpool

Crystal Palace will travel to Anfield to take on Champions League hopefuls Liverpool this Sunday in Matchweek 34 of the Premier League.

The Eagles have had a good run of results in recent weeks, having gathered 16 points from 7 games and come into this game on the back of a 2-2 draw against Leicester City last weekend. In their recent run, Palace have managed to take two major scalps in the form of wins over Chelsea and Arsenal and will look to do so against Liverpool as well.

The Londoners have won their previous two outings at Anfield in the past two seasons and Sam Allardyce will hope to repeat that feat once again this term.

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Allardyce will continue be without the services of captain Scott Dann who is out due to a knee injury, while fellow centre-back James Tomkins is close to a return, but Sunday’s clash could come a little too soon for him. Loan striker Loic Remy too is close to full fitness but may not play a part. Connor Wickham and Papa Souare are ruled out for the season.

Perhaps what will hurt Palace the most will be the absence of on-loan defender Mamadou Sakho as he won’t be able to feature against his parent club, Liverpool.

Here is how Palace could line up at Anfield:

Probable Crystal Palace XI:

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Manager: Sam Allardyce

Wayne Hennessey (GK)

The Welshman has been putting in some strong displays in recent weeks for the Eagles. He will be hoping to add another clean sheet to his tally against Liverpool.

Joel Ward (RB)

The 27-year old right-back has hardly missed a game for Palace this season. He will have to contend with the threat of Philippe Coutinho if Palace expect to win this game.

Martin Kelly (CB)

The versatile defender will take his place in the heart of the defence once again, with injuries to key men. He will look to put in a strong showing against his former side.

Damien Delaney (CB)

With Mamadou Sakho ineligible to play against Liverpool, veteran defender Damien Delaney is expected to replace the Frenchman.

Patrick van Aanholt (LB)

The January signing is fit again and made a short appearance against Leicester last week. He is expected to come into the playing XI in place of Jeffrey Schlupp.

Luka Milivojevic (CM)

The 27-year old Serbian has become a vital part of the scheme of things at Crystal Palace since arriving in the winter window. He will be tasked with screening his backline.

Yohan Cabaye (CM)

The Frenchman was among the goals against Leicester City over the weekend. He will have to be at his best for the Eagles to get something out of the game.

Wilfried Zaha (RW)

Arguably the best player for Crystal Palace this season, Zaha will hope to give James Milner a hard time on the right-wing.

Jason Puncheon (CAM)

The 30-year old versatile midfielder hasn’t scored this season and has assisted just 3 goals. He will look to finish the season strong and will lead the team out at Anfield.

Andros Townsend (LW)

The former Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United man has created the second-most number of chances for Crystal Palace this season. He could be a threat to Liverpool, cutting in from the left-flank.

Christian Benteke (ST)

The goal-scoring onus will be on the big and burly Christian Benteke. The Belgian is looking rejuvenated in recent weeks and will be hoping to haunt his former side with a stellar performance.

Here’s how they may line up: