Predicted 4-4-2 Crystal Palace XI to face Chelsea in the Premier League
Crystal Palace put in a promising performance in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal at home last week and Roy Hodgson will be a much-relieved man after the Eagles managed to score their first goal at home this season.
However, Palace will have a tougher battle in their hands when they make the trip to the Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on Sunday.
Chelsea reached the quarterfinals of the Carabao Cup with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Derby County and the Blues will be looking to maintain their unbeaten record against a struggling Crystal Palace unit.
Team News
Wilfried Zaha, Cheikhou Kouyate and James McArthur picked up minor knocks last week but are expected to be fit for Sunday’s clash.
Christian Benteke, Joel Ward and Scott Dann and Conor Wickham are all ruled out due to injuries.
Formation: 4-4-2
Manager: Roy Hodgson
Predicted XI
Wayne Hennessey (GK)
He has been one of the standout performers of Palace’s faltering campaign so far, always a reliable presence between the sticks.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB)
The youngster has caught a lot of eyes with his exceptional tackling and powerful runs down the flanks.
Mamadou Sakho (CB)
The Frenchman has let the team down with occasional lapses in concentration but has been solid overall.
James Tomkins (CB)
He has established a good understanding with Sakho, keeping things tight at the back and ensuring that Palace have a good defensive record.
Patrick van Aanholt (LB)
The Dutchman has contributed equally to both the defence and the attack and has always been a lively presence down the left.
Luka Milivojevic (CM)
He will be high on confidence after scoring from the spot twice against Arsenal last week.
Jeffrey Schlupp (LM)
McArthur had a poor game against Arsenal and Hodgson should hand the Ghanaian a start on Sunday.
Cheikhou Kouyate (LCM)
His strength, aerial prowess and game-reading skills are valuable assets to Palace and Hodgson should hand him another start.
Andros Townsend (RM)
He has been in poor form throughout the season and missed a golden opportunity in the last game but Palace do not have many options to replace him.
Wilfried Zaha (LS)
The Ivorian showed a lot of promise and hit the post in the last game. He is their star man up front and he will have to deliver the goods if Palace are to come away with a positive result.
Read More:- Comparing this 20-year-old Crystal Palace ace to Kieran Trippier and Hector Bellerin – Has the youngster outperformed the best?
Jordan Ayew (RS)
He looked terribly out of form against Arsenal and hasn’t been good throughout the season but Palace will have to wait for Benteke to return from injury.
