A bottom-half Premier League clash takes place at Selhurst Park on Wednesday night as Crystal Palace entertains Bournemouth.
The Eagles currently sit 12th in the top-flight standings with 16 points from 14 matches. They have not been at their best in recent weeks, winning just one out of the last seven Premier League games. Roy Hodgson’s men were held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham in their previous game at the London Stadium on Sunday and have a point to prove this week.
However, the South Londoners will be up against a resurgent Bournemouth, who have picked up seven points from their last three games.
Crystal Palace Team News
Eberechi Eze picked up ankle ligament damage in Crystal Palace’s loss at Luton Town and is expected to be out for a few weeks, although the timescale is being assessed on a day-to-day basis.
Jeffrey Schlupp is a doubt after missing the 1-1 draw with West Ham due to personal reasons, but Cheick Doucoure, Rob Holding, Dean Henderson and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi are all sidelined for the Eagles.
Predicted Crystal Palace lineup vs Bournemouth (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Sam Johnstone has deputised extremely well in Dean Henderson’s injury absence and currently leads the charts in terms of clean sheets kept this season. He will be keen to add to his clean sheets’ tally in midweek.
Defence
In front of Johnstone, a flat back four of Joel Ward, Joachim Andersen, Marc Guehi and Tyrick Mitchell is set to remain intact. Anderson and Guehi will continue their strong partnership in central defence, with Ward and Mitchell aiding them from the full-back positions. The full-backs must also take up the responsibility of providing width and energy going forward.
Midfield
If Jeffrey Schlupp is not available, Chris Richards could continue in a midfield role alongside Jefferson Lerma and Will Hughes. Richards will take up the deeper position, hoping to protect the Palace backline, while Hughes and Lerma operate as the No.8s.
The trio must look to recycle possession and disrupt Bournemouth’s rhythm. They must try to ensure the hosts do not end up dominating the ball in the middle of the park.
Attack
Jean-Philippe Mateta and Matheus Franca will both be pushing to start in attack, but Roy Hodgson is expected to stick with the same front three of Odsonne Edouard, Jordan Ayew and Michael Olise.
Edouard will spearhead the Palace attack, and he will be confident heading into the game after scoring the equaliser against West Ham. Wingers Olise and Ayew should provide the Frenchman with solid service in the box, as the Eagles look to bounce back to winning ways in midweek.
