Predicted 4-4-1-1 Crystal Palace Lineup Vs Watford: Benteke To Return?

Having picked up four points from their last two games, including the victory against Brighton last weekend, Crystal Palace have moved six points clear of the relegation zone and though they can mathematically still go down, Roy Hodgson will believe that his side have what it takes to retain their top-flight status. But they will look to end the season on a high, starting with their trip to Vicarage Road this weekend.

Watford, who were close to breaking into the top half of the table not so long ago, have slipped to 12^th place, having picked up just a point from their last five league games. They are desperate for a win and playing at home, will believe that they can test Palace this weekend. But the Eagles are slowly finding some form and are sure to take this game down to the wire.

Team News

In early team news, Palace are still without the services of Bakary Sako, Jason Puncheon, Jeffery Schlupp, Connor Wickham and Scott Dann, all of who are long-term absentees. Christian Benteke came off the bench against Brighton and is up for selection in this game.

Here is the predicted lineup Hodgson might field for this tie:

Expected Crystal Palace lineup (4-4-1-1)

Defence

Wayne Hennessey had a tough time last weekend and might be tested once again this weekend. He will look to put in a better performance and will be helped by James Tomkins and Mamadou Sakho, who have formed a formidable partnership at the back for Palace.

Patrick van Aanholt has been a regular at left-back and will keep his place in the side while Joel Ward is expected to start at right-back yet again.

Midfield

Luka Milivojevic is the midfield engine that Palace have relied on. He will start at the heart of the midfield and could be partnered with Yohan Cabaye, who did not last the whole game last weekend.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek needs to step up his game late this season. He will keep his place on the left flank while James McArthur been effective but Andros Townsend, who has been hard to mark in an advanced role, might be pushed on to the right flank, to add some width to the midfield.

Attack

With Benteke back in action, Hodgson should use the Belgian as a target man, which will help Wilfried Zaha play off of him, in a no. 10 role.

Here is how they might line up