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Cherries face quick turnaround after United win: Predicted team for Palace visit

Cherries face quick turnaround after United win: Predicted team for Palace visit (Image: PA Wire)

Cherries face quick turnaround after United win: Predicted team for Palace visit (Image: PA Wire)

THE Cherries will hope to continue their fine form over this festive period as they host Crystal Palace on Boxing Day.

It is a quick turnaround from Sunday’s fantastic win at Manchester United, with Andoni Iraola saying that some players are nursing some slight knocks from the weekend and they were to be assessed on Monday.

With another game on Sunday, the boss may shuffle his pack – the Daily Echo predicts how the Cherries will line up on Thursday afternoon.

Goalkeeper

Kepa Arrizabalaga put in his best performance to date in a Cherries shirt in Manchester, and he will continue in goal.

Defenders

The young trio of Milos Kerkez at left back and the centre back pairing of Illia Zabarnyi and Dean Huijsen were excellent at Old Trafford, and they will all likely keep their spots in the side with the young defence putting in some good shifts of late.

(Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)

Adam Smith at right back was replaced at half time on Sunday by Lewis Cook and was set to be assessed on Monday for some tightness, Andoni Iraola said.

With Julian Araujo out injured, and Max Aarons yet to properly feature this season, if Smith is not fit, I think Cook will start.

Midfielders

As I’m predicting Cook to start in defence, Tyler Adams and Ryan Christie, who were both very good against United, will likely continue as the midfield pair for Iraola’s side.

Forwards

If all players have come through the weekend without picking up any knocks in the forward line, I expect Iraola will opt for the same front four as he did at the weekend.

(Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)

Ever-presents Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo will hope to continue their goalscoring form, while Evanilson has continued to look good leading the line.

Dango Ouattara was impressive at Old Trafford and will get another go from the start at the Vitality Stadium.

Full team: Kepa; Kerkez, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Cook; Adams, Christie; Ouattara, Kluivert, Semenyo; Evanilson.

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