Crystal Palace travel to the Vitality Stadium to face Bournemouth, hoping to get back to winning ways in the Premier League.
The Eagles’ five-game unbeaten run in the Premier League came to an end when they were hammered 5-1 by London rivals Arsenal at Selhurst Park. Prior to that, Arsenal eliminated them from the Carabao Cup thanks to a sublime second-half hat-trick from Gabriel Jesus.
It doesn’t get any easier for Oliver Glasner’s side as they will face Bournemouth, who have been brilliant this season and come into this fixture fresh from the 3-0 win at Manchester United.
Crystal Palace Team News
Daniel Munoz will return from a one-match suspension ahead of the trip to Bournemouth. Adam Wharton, Matheus Franca, and Chadi Riad are still out injured, but Eberechi Eze could be back after missing the game against Arsenal due to a swollen foot.
Predicted Crystal Palace lineup vs Bournemouth (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper
Dean Henderson was helpless in goal, conceding five goals to Arsenal at the weekend. The Englishman will be expecting more protection from his backline when they travel to Bournemouth.
Defence
In front of Henderson, a back three of Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, and Marc Guehi are expected to start again. Lacroix will be stationed centrally, with Richards and Guehi operating as the right and left centre-backs respectively in the Crystal Palace lineup.
The trio have to be disciplined and resilient throughout the game to keep a strong Bournemouth side at bay.
Midfield
Following the 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Arsenal, Glasner may look to add more solidity to his midfield unit in midweek. This could see him hand Cheick Doucoure a start alongside Jefferson Lerma, with Will Hughes dropping out of the Crystal Palace lineup.
Doucoure and Lerma must hold their forte and disrupt Bournemouth’s free-flowing football. Daniel Munoz and Tyrick Mitchell should operate as the wing-backs, bringing energy, width, and attacking endeavour to the side. They will have to work hard and try to make an impact on both ends of the pitch.
Attack
Eberechi Eze is expected to overcome his foot problem and start this one. He is Palace’s main creative outlet and the manager will want the England international to turn up at the Vitality Stadium. Ismaila Sarr has been scoring goals of late, and the Senegalese’s explosive pace and directness could hurt the Cherries on the break.
Jean-Philippe Mateta should lead the Palace attack, trying to add to his tally of four goals. Daichi Kamada, Eddie Nketiah, and Jeffrey Schlupp may be introduced off the bench if required.
Predicted Crystal Palace Lineup vs Bournemouth
Predicted Crystal Palace Lineup vs Bournemouth