Crystal Palace vs Leeds preview and predicted line up
Palace had Jean-Phillipe Mateta to thank for a 2-1 victory against Leicester as they welcomed Roy Hodgson – who became the oldest Premier League manager for the third time – back to Selhurst Park.
The Eagles have had all week to prepare, while Leeds beat Nottingham Forest 2-1 in some midweek Premier League action.
This win extended Javi Garcia’s excellent start to his tenure, which has taken Leeds to a point and a place behind the Eagles in 13th. Whoever wins on Saturday will therefore take 12th place.
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Leeds won despite being without Willy Gnonto, who was not fit enough to come off the bench after injuring himself during the international break.
Palace have their senior goalkeepers back, but Wilfried Zaha will miss the next few weeks with an injury sustained last week.
Predicted line-up (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: Guaita
Place briefly had both Guaita and Sam Johnstone out injured, but they are both back and fans will be relieved to see their number one back between the sticks.
Defenders: Ward, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell
Why change a winning formula? Hodgson will consider Joel Ward’s place at right-back if Gnonto is fit, with Nathaniel Clyne also an option there. The rest of the back four has been a mainstay when fit.
Midfielders: Eze, Doucoure, Schlupp
Again the same midfield as Saturday’s win, the deeper role for Eze, allowed him and Olise to seamlessly play together, and he was rewarded when his free kick bounced in off the keeper’s back.
Forwards: Olise, Mateta, Ayew
Two changes from Saturday. Zaha is replaced by Jordan Ayew who recorded his second assist of the Premier League season to win the game against Leicester, and the man who finished it off, Mateta, may well earn a start.
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