The Crystal Palace fans here in the Transfer Tavern are hoping for a positive result at Selhurst Park this weekend as they take on the big spending Manchester City in the FA Cup fourth round.
The arrival of Sam Allardyce last December has not had the immediate impact the Eagles fans were hoping for. The south London club currently sit in the drop zone of the Premier League after four consecutive losses.
The FA Cup is the only chance Crystal Palace have to secure any kind of silverware this season following their abysmal league form and their early exit from the League Cup in September.
Sam Allardyce aka ‘Big Sam’ needs to live up to his name and make a big decision this weekend; with the league a priority, will the Palace manager sacrifice a cup run for a greater chance of Premier League survival?
Crystal Palace’s next five games will decide their Premier League fate as they take on Bournemouth, Sunderland, Stoke, Middlesbrough and West Brom. The Eagles fans see all of these games as winnable and Big Sam has a real chance of transforming the season within this period.
Our landlord believes that Big Sam must focus on survival and should use the FA Cup as a chance to build his longer term vision for the club by giving the wider squad a chance to impress.
The Tavern faithful know that league survival is a priority but Eagles fans demand a spirited attempt to reach the next round of the FA Cup and this XI could just surprise Man City according to our landlord…
GK: Wayne Hennessey
The Welsh international will have to be at his very best against Man City’s formidable attacking players.
Wayne Hennessey played in all ten of Wales’ qualifying matches for UEFA Euro 2016, conceding just four times, as they reached their first major international tournament since the 1958 World Cup.
CB: Joel Ward
Crystal Palace’s ‘Mr Reliable’ has been a little shaky of late and will be eager to restore the faith in his ability.
Joel Ward operated mainly as a central defender at the start of his professional career. He switched to right back whilst at Portsmouth in the 2010-2011 season.
CB: Damien Delaney
Damien Delaney will need every ounce of his experience to keep the City strike force quiet. A natural leader on the pitch, Delaney must brace the team for a tough time at Selhurst Park.
CB: James Tomkins
The Former Hammer is no stranger to overcoming the odds and will relish the battle against Sergio Aguero.
James Tomkins has represented England at all levels up to the under-21 team and represented Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics.
RWB: Martin Kelly
In this FA Cup clash Martin Kelly should be given the chance to express himself as an attacking wing back, stretching City’s defence and adding height to the midfield.
Having played just two minutes, Martin Kelly’s international career is the shortest ever for an England player.
LWB: Zeki Fryers
With Jeff Schlupp doubtful Zeki Fryers should be given his chance to use his pace and defensive ability to shackle City’s wide players and stake his claim for more first team appearances.
CM: Mathieu Flamini
Mathieu Flamini will relish the opportunity, in his advancing years, to compete against some of the league’s greatest players. His battle against Yaya Toure will be key.
CM: Joe Ledley
This formation will be used to stifle the creativity in the middle of the park and Joe Ledley’s strength and power will be central to neutralising the flair of David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne.
RW: Lee Chung-Yong
The Korean international has the ability to terrorise the City defence and if he takes his chance then Gael Clichy and Nicolas Otamendi will have their hands full.
LW: Andros Townsend
Andros Townsend has yet to fully deliver for Crystal Palace. The England international has promised much over the years and is yet to truly hit top form. A star player performance against City could change that.
ST: Loic Remy
Loic Remy’s inclusion will allow Allardyce to rest Benteke and give the Frenchman a chance to build his fitness for the upcoming games. Remy’s battle against John Stones will be key.
Palace fans – what do you think? Let us know below!
