Predicted line up as Crystal Palace seek Townsend magic against Man City

Bernardo Silva headed clear, but only as far as Townsend who smashed home a volley from 30 yards out to take three points home to London.

This Saturday, Palace host City at Selhurst Park, but are in desperate need for someone to produce some Townsend-esque magic to reignite their season.

On that famous day for Roy Hodgson and his team, the Eagles scored three goals despite having just 22% of the ball. While much has changed, including the Crystal Palace manager, it would be a surprise if they saw much more of the ball this weekend.

Manchester City have blown hot and cold at times this season, but still represent a formidable foe for the Eagles, who are still searching for a win in 2023. The Champions League game against RB Liepzig on Tuesday may factor into City minds, as the pressure to secure European silverware mounts.

To compound the misery somewhat, Palace will also have to do without Cheick Doucoure who was sent off in the last game against Villa.

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For the Londoners, it is not just his suspension that may alter their formation. The last time they played City, back in August, they felt the early wrath of Erling Haaland who scored a hat-trick. They did, however, play five at the back last time which they might return to in hope of frustrating the visitors.

Possible lineup (5-4-1):

Goalkeeper: Guaita

The first of the team to have played in that Andros Townsend-inspired win back in 2018, he may have conceded four against City early in the season but he will need to be at his best to keep Haaland and co. at bay this weekend.

Defenders: Mitchell, Andersen, Guehi, Richards, Clyne

A return of five at the back. The conceding of goals has not been the main reason for Palace’s downturn in form, but if your attack does not score then even conceding one is fatal.

Andersen will hope to move quickly on from his own goal against Villa last week, but may have assistance from Chris Richards in dealing with the league’s top goal scorer, who is in the opposition.

Nathaniel Clyne also started the game in Manchester a few years ago.

Midfielders: Schlupp, Lokonga, Hughes, Olise

Arsenal loanee Lokonga will have a point to prove, his final appearance for the club before being loaned to Palace was against City in the cup. He endured a tough half and walked straight down the tunnel at full time.

He will have a new partner in the midfield which may be Will Hughes, who had made the position his own before Lokonga made his move. They will have their work cut out whoever Guardiola picks.

Jeffery Schlupp will be able to protect the middle of the park with a wing back alongside him, and may well need to focus his attention on an inverted left-back.

Striker: Zaha

Back from injury, Zaha will probably be without much service but his tenacity and star quality makes him the candidate most likely to produce a much-needed moment in this game. As he has for many years, he is the man under pressure to end Palace’s goal shortage.