Predicted Crystal Palace Line-up To Face Brighton and Hove Albion In FA Cup
Roy Hodgson is surely having a positive effect on the squad at the Selhurst Park as Crystal Palace have now moved to 14th place in the points table, after their 2-1 victory at the St. Mary’s earlier this week. The manager will want to have his say on the domestic cup competitions as well and will have his first shot when the Eagles travel to the Amex in an all-Premier League clash in the 3rd round of the competition.
Chris Hughton’s side are fresh from back to back 0-0 draws vs Newcastle United and Bournemouth, and will look to put in a similar defensive performance against a Palace side that has been in God form of late. Hodgson is expected to go with a strong XI.
Team News
In early team news, Hodgson is still without the services of Connor Wickham, Mamadou Sakho, Scott Dann and Jason Puncheon, who are all long-term absentees. Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Joel Ward are close to a return but this game comes too early for their liking.
Probable Crystal Palace XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Roy Hodgson
GK – Julian Speroni
With Hennesey starting most games under Hodgson, Speroni has turned into the backup and should start this cup tie.
RB – Timothy Fosu-Mensah
The Manchester United man put in a decent performance against Southampton and deserves to keep his place at right-back.
CB – Martin Kelly
With injuries to key players, Hodgson does not have too many options in this role and should stick with Kelly at CB.
CB – Damien Delany
James Tomkins remains the only first choice senior centre-back for Palace and could be rested, giving Delany a shot to partner Kelly at the back.
LB – Patrick van Aanholt
The Dutch international came off the bench at St. Mary’s but could get his chance to impress from the start in this FA Cup clash.
CM – Jairo Riedewald
Hodgson revealed that Riedewald is in the running to start this game and he is expected to keep his place in the middle of the park.
CM – Luka Milivojevic
Adding some stability and creativity to the side, Milivojevic, who has been in superb form for Palace, could start alongside Riedewald in the midfield.
RW – Lee Chung-Yong
The 29-year-old was an unused substitute in the game against the Saints but could be given a go here, on the right flank.
CAM – Yohan Cabaye
Cabaye was subbed off early in the victory over Southampton and should be fresh to start this game in a no.10 role for the visitors.
LW – Sullay Kaikai
The 22-year old was impressive in his outings in the League Cup and deserves to start this game on the left-hand side of the attack.
ST – Bakary Sako
With Benteke still to find some form, Hodgson should give him a break from the pressure and should use Sako to lead the line.