Crystal Palace vs Huddersfield predictions: Crystal Palace line-up
Michy Batshuayi’s arrival in the January transfer window has injected hope and striker power into Crystal Palace and the results have shown that. The Eagles now sit in 14th place, and are five points off the relegation zone, but have a long way to go if they are to finish in the top half of the table.
With 33 points, Palace will have to try and win most of their final eight games and hope that results elsewhere go their way. But at the moment, with Huddersfield on the horizon, Roy Hodgson and company need to make sure they get a result here.
The Terriers are as good as relegated and have won just three games all season. To make things even worse, they’ve only managed one win in their last five games and are favourites to get relegated.
It doesn’t make for good reading, which means that Crystal Palace have to take full advantage and make sure they walk away with all three points.
Team News
Wilfried Zaha returned from the international break early to recuperate from his injury (Independent) and hopefully, he returns in time for the clash against Huddersfield. However, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is still out with a knock and like Zaha, withdrew from the England squad (Daily Mail).
Probable Crystal Palace XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Roy Hodgson
Vicente Guaita (GK)
Despite the injuries, Guaita is a reliable man between the sticks and should keep his place for the Eagles.
Joel Ward (RB)
With Aaron Wan-Bissaka injured, Joel Ward should find a way into the team-sheet until the England international is back in action.
James Tomkins (CB)
The former West Ham star has been in relatively decent form for the Eagles and is one of their main centre-backs. He should keep his place.
Mamadou Sakho (CB)
Another key star in Roy Hodgson’s team-sheet, the 29-year-old has had his issues with form, but given that he is among their best players, Sakho should also keep his place.
Patrick van Aanholt (LB)
Injuries in other areas should see Jeffery Schlupp move up as a winger, which means that Van Aanholt should find his way back into the team.
Max Meyer (CM)
Easily the most creative player in the team and with no Wilfried Zaha, he will have to step up.
Luka Milivojevic (CM)
Crystal Palace’s top scorer, the central midfielder has been a big part of this season, playing in every single game for the club.
Cheikhou Kouyate (CM)
The former West ham man should make his comeback after being rested against Brighton.
Andros Townsend (RW)
Like Milivojevic, the 27-year-old has played in every Premier League game this season, scoring four goals and four assists.
Michy Batshuayi (ST)
Crystal Palace’s man in form, the on-loan Chelsea striker has three goals in his last five games for the club, including an crucial equaliser in the FA Cup.
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Jeffrey Schlupp (LW)
With Wilfried Zaha injured, Schlupp, who has been in good form, should find himself starting in a more advanced position.
