Crystal Palace
Hodgson to make 1 important change – Predicted 4-4-2 Crystal Palace XI to face Watford
Predicted Crystal Palace XI to face Watford in the Premier League
Crystal Palace were unfortunate to lose their last game 2-0 to Liverpool. They held Jurgen Klopp’s men for long parts of the game and tried to hit them on the break with the combined pace of Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend. Unfortunately, they could not extract a positive result last weekend.
Now, they face a confident Watford side who beat Burnley 3-1 at Turf Moor in their previous outing. With that in mind, let’s take a look at how the Eagles could lineup.
Team News
Aaron Wan Bissaka was sent off for a last-ditch challenge on Mo Salah. The 20 year had really impressed with his performance before that moment but he has to sit this one out. Scott Dann and Conor Wickham are still recovering from their long-term injuries.
Probable Starting XI
Formation: 4-4-2
Manager: Roy Hodgson
Wayne Hennessey (GK)
Wayne Hennessey
The Welshman had one of his best games in a Palace shirt when he made 6 saves on the opening weekend against Fulham. He was impressive against Liverpool as well and should receive a start against Watford.
Joel Ward (RB)
Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s suspension will enable Ward to start at right-back once again.
Mamadou Sakho (CB)
Sakho has been Palace’s best defender for over a year now and he has maintained his form. He was unlucky to give away a penalty for a foul on Mohamed Salah in the previous game.
James Tomkins (CB)
Tomkins and Sakho have been rock-solid at the back for Roy Hodgson’s men. Palace didn’t lose a single match last season when the pair started together. Their combined power at Vicarage Road should ensure Palace bounce back with a win.
Patrick van Aanholt (LB)
Going ahead, he is one of the best full-backs in the league and his sizzling combination play with Wilfried Zaha will be key.
Luka Milivojevic (CM)
Milivojevic is Palace’s lynchpin as he keeps the ball ticking from the centre of the park.
James McArthur (CM)
McArthur is a hard-working player for Palace and he is adept at doing all the dirty work. His work rate allows the players in front of him to work their magic without worrying about recovering the ball.
Andros Townsend (RW)
The Englishman was at his best against Liverpool when he hit the post from 25 yards. His pace troubled Liverpool on the counter-attack and this could be a big problem for Watford as well.
Jeffrey Schlupp (LW)
Playing Schlupp at left-wing is a smart move since he can offer cover for an attack-minded van Anholt. He also scored Palace’s first goal at Craven Cottage.
Wilfried Zaha (ST)
Crystal Palace’s talisman is usually the man at the centre of all good things that Palace pull off in the final third. The fact that Palace failed to win a single match in his absence last season shows how invaluable he is for the Eagles.
Christian Benteke (ST)
The Belgian forward had a terrible last season last time out but this term, he looks a lot fitter and confident with his play. His hold-up play is excellent and he must look for his first goal of the season at Vicarage Road.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace Sign Manchester United Defender on Loan Until End of Season as Young Centre Back Seeks Regular First Team Football
Crystal Palace have completed the signing of Manchester United defender Lucy Newell on a loan deal for the remainder of the season. The Eagles announced the deal via their official club website this evening as they strengthen their defensive options for the second half of the Championship campaign.
The 19 year old Shrewsbury born centre back has been with Manchester United since 2023. She initially signed dual registration terms with The Red Devils from third tier West Bromwich Albion before joining permanently the following year, signing her first professional contract just months later.
Development Continues Through Loan Spells
Newell has furthered her development in recent loan spells with Blackburn Rovers and Birmingham City. This represents a smart move for the youngster, who needs regular first team football to continue pushing on rather than sitting on the bench at Manchester United watching from the sidelines.
The defender has represented England at various youth levels up to and including Under 20 level, demonstrating her potential and pedigree at international standard. Crystal Palace manager Jo Potter expressed delight at securing the loan signing.
Potter Praises Promising Talent
“We are delighted to have Lucy join us at Palace. She is a promising talent who has already gained some good experience at club and international level,” Potter said. This is exactly the kind of young, hungry player Crystal Palace need as they look to solidify their Championship status.
Newell could go straight into the Crystal Palace squad for Sunday’s Barclays WSL2 fixture against Durham. The Eagles will hope her Manchester United pedigree and international experience can help shore up their defence during a crucial period.
Palace currently sit mid table in the Championship and will view Newell’s arrival as an excellent opportunity to add quality depth to their defensive options.
Also read: Why Will Arsenal Defender Emily Fox Miss Manchester United League Cup Semi Final?
Manchester United officially recalled 19-year-old midfielder Emma Watson from her season-long loan at Crystal Palace on January 12, 2026.
The Scotland international was set to spend the entire campaign at the South London club but returned to her parent club at the halfway point.
Watson becomes the third Manchester United player recalled this January window following Evie Rabjohn and Keira Barry as head coach Marc Skinner strategically reshapes his squad depth for the title push ahead.
Crystal Palace Development Period
Watson joined Crystal Palace in August 2025 on a season-long loan after spending the previous campaign on loan at Everton. During her time at Palace, she made eight competitive appearances and scored two goals, including an assist against Sunderland in October.
She earned the TEN Player of the Month award following impressive displays throughout October when she scored a brace against Ipswich Town. Her performances demonstrated maturity and composure as she adapted quickly to senior football demands despite her young age and new surroundings.
Manchester United’s Strategic Recruitment Window
Watson returns to Carrington as Manchester United completed signings of Lea Schuller from Bayern Munich and Hanna Lundkvist from San Diego Wave.
The club aims to build squad depth across all positions for their title challenge and four-competition objectives. Watson made her Manchester United debut in November 2024 during a Women’s League Cup group-stage clash with Everton before scoring her first goal against Newcastle United in the same competition. An anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained while on international duty in September 2023 initially impacted her development but she has since returned to full fitness.
Uncertain Future Path
Manchester United has not confirmed whether Watson will feature in first team plans or could be sold to another club during the remainder of the January window. Her return provides Marc Skinner with attacking midfield options as United bid to challenge Manchester City for the league title while maintaining their Champions League and domestic cup ambitions.
Also read: After two-and-a-half years, Janice Cayman departs Leicester City for PSV
Crystal Palace have announced the departure of midfielder Shanade Hopcroft, who leaves the club at the end of her contract. The 28 year old previously signed a short term extension at the start of the season but will now seek a new challenge elsewhere.
Hopcroft joined Crystal Palace in summer 2023 after leaving capital rivals London City Lionesses. The midfielder played a starring role as The Eagles won the Barclays WSL2 title in 2023-24, securing long awaited promotion to the Barclays Women’s Super League.
Injury Struggles Limited Top Flight Appearances
Hopcroft’s top tier game time was severely limited after suffering rotten luck with injuries. She was able to turn out for Crystal Palace in the WSL on just three occasions before the club’s relegation back to the Championship.
The midfielder has been a regular in the Crystal Palace side this season and returned to good form. She helped the team gradually get their season back on track after an initial slow start to the campaign, leaving South London off the back of a three match winning run in WSL2.
Next Move Unknown for In Form Midfielder
Hopcroft’s next career move is not yet known, however she will not be short of offers for her services given her performances in the Championship. The experienced midfielder has proven herself capable at both WSL2 and top flight level when fit.
Crystal Palace will need to replace Hopcroft’s experience in midfield as they look to mount another promotion challenge. The Eagles currently sit mid table in the Championship after recovering from their difficult start to the season following immediate relegation from the WSL.
- Liverpool13 years ago
Raheem Sterling Age 17 Kids 3 Women 2
- Arsenal13 years ago
Etienne Capoue To Become An Arsenal Player In Summer
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Defender Nacho Monreal Doesn’t Agree The Direction The Club Is Going.
- Arsenal13 years ago
Robin van Persie wants to move back to Arsenal
- Arsenal13 years ago
Report: Arsenal Could Sign A Striker Next Week
- Headlines13 years ago
Manchester United Preparing A (Javier Hernandez + De Gea + 55 Million) Bid For Ronaldo
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Planning To Bring In ‘Next Fabregas’
- Headlines13 years ago
Three Reasons Why Manchester United Must Sign This “Next Vidic”