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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.

Read More: Opinion: Hodgson’s Crystal Palace look capable of finishing in the top-10 and it wouldn’t be a surprise

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.

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