Crystal Palace are due to host Tottenham Hotspur at the Selhurst Park today. After a disappointing start this season under the tutelage of Frank de Boer, which saw them lose their first 7 Premier League games, Crystal Palace have fared in a decent manner after the appointment of Roy Hodgson.
The London-based outfit has collected 27 points from 27 games so far but they need to do a lot more in the coming fixtures to refrain from falling into the clutches of the relegation zone at the end of the season.
The Eagles are currently suffering a defensive crisis and are without 12 senior players. Yohan Cabaye has suffered a groin injury and is ruled out of the upcoming fixture.
Besides, Julian Speroni, Joel Ward, Martin Kelly, Scott Dann, Mamadou Sakho, Jeffrey Schlupp, Jason Puncheon, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Wilfried Zaha, Bakary Sako and Connor Wickham are also sidelined.
Wayne Hennessey should be the man between the sticks for Palace. The Welsh international would have a huge task ahead and there is no denying that he needs to be at his very best.
Defensively, Crystal Palace have not inspired confidence in too many people. They do have some decent defenders but the element of cohesiveness is lacking. Hodgson is likely to station Timothy-Fosu Mensah and James Tomkins at the heart of his backline today.
Patrick van Aanholt is likely to get the nod to start from the left-back slot as he has the ability to create some spark on the left whereas Joel Ward is expected to be handed the right-back position against the Lilywhites.
Luka Milivojevic has been a really productive player from the middle of the park for Crystal Palace this season. Despite being a defence-oriented player, he has smashed 7 goals already in the top flight this season.
It goes without saying that the 26-year-old would be one of the first names to find a place in Hodgson’s starting XI. He is set to be partnered by James McArthur and Jordan Mutch on either side.
Christian Benteke is expected to spearhead the home side’s attack. The big Belgian has failed to churn anything spectacular this season, having scored just 2 goals in 21 appearances. Undoubtedly, he needs to up the ante.
Hodgson is expected to go with Andros Townsend on the right-wing. He has the required pace to cause trouble to the opposition defence and he would be keen to make his presence felt against his former side. Alexander Sorloth is likely to start from the left-wing.
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