Wholesale changes in the lineup often seem to be the norm in the EFL Cup and we expect much of the same when Crystal Palace take on West Brow away from home.
Roy Hodgson’s side have had a mixed start to their league campaign. They have lost thrice already but their two wins and a draw mean they are 11th in the league table, a much better start than what they managed last time out.
Although the team has heavily relied on Wilfried Zaha to help with the goalscoring and creative burden, the squad is a pretty talented one and it’s up to Hodgson to make the best use of his resources.
Crystal Palace Team News
Palace will still be without Connor Wickham and Christian Benteke. Scott Dann is back in training but the game might be too early to recall him.
Predicted Crystal Palace lineup
Defence
Summer signing Vicente Guaita might get a chance to impress in goal as the Cup ‘keeper. The back four could have a different look about it with Jeffrey Schlupp replacing Patrick van Aanholt as the left-back while Joel Ward could replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the right. The latter has started the season really well despite a sending off, so Ward has to make the best use of his opportunities.
Martin Kelly could get a start alongside Mamadou Sakho at the heart of the defence.
Midfield
Max Meyer was signed for a free transfer in the summer but we haven’t seen the best of him yet. The German international showed that he can play in a deeper role at Schalke last season, but we expect him to be given the licence to attack in the three-man Palace midfield.
Cheikhou Kouyate and Luka Milivojevic could complete the midfield three, with the latter playing the deepest role. So far in the Premier League, Milivojevic has managed three tackles a game and has been a key cog in the midfield for the Eagles.
Attack
The fans would love to see Zaha play because of the impact he generally has. However, we wouldn’t be surprised if the manager decides to give him a breather.
Jordan Ayew might get a chance to play on the left. Andros Townsend could keep his place in the team. Against a West Brom side that have a few big men at the back, the presence of Alexander Sorloth could be vital. He should get a start against the Baggies.
Ayew – Sorloth – Townsend
Meyer
Kouyate – Milivojevic
Schlupp – Sakho – Kelly – Ward
Guaita
Stats via Whoscored