The pocket of Crystal Palace fans here in the Transfer Tavern breathed a huge sigh of relief this weekend, after their side gained a crucial victory over Southampton.
In arguably their biggest result of a topsy-turvy campaign, the Eagles produced a slick, comfortable performance to easily dispatch an out-of-sorts Saints and it was clear how much the result meant.
The barmaid here in the Transfer Tavern was absolutely delighted, having followed Palace all of her life!
But it’s in the Premier League table where you can notice the biggest impact on results, and Pardew’s men now sit in a lot more comfortable-looking 13th place.
And next up is Hull City, who are seriously struggling. It’s a great time to play the out-of-form Tigers and we think we’ve got just the lineup that will see Palace win again.
So with that in mind, here’s our Palace lineup that we think will definitely beat Hull City on Saturday…
GK: Wayne Hennessey
Former Wolves man Wayne Hennessey had a pretty comfortable game for the Saints between the sticks this weekend, and Palace fans will be hoping for more of the same against goal-shy Hull City.
RB: James Tomkins
James Tomkins slotted in at right-back during last weekend’s win over Southampton and he looked seriously assured, despite picking up a yellow card.
He’s been a fantastic addition since coming in from West Ham United and his versatility to move across the defence has been great for the Eagles.
CB: Scott Dann
Former Birmingham City man Scott Dann has been great for Crystal Palace coming back from injury and with him in the side, they can definitely begin to push up the table once again.
More good form from him could be his gateway into the England set-up after coming so close before injury.
CB: Damien Delaney
Veteran defender Damien Delaney shows no signs of being dropped from Alan Pardew’s starting XI for weeks to come.
The Irishman reads the game so well and whilst he might be missing a yard of pace these days, he has the likes of Scott Dann and James Tomkins around him to do the running.
An extremely solid individual indeed.
LB: Joel Ward
Another versatile individual in this Crystal Palace team, Joel Ward always seems to provide a steely performance down the left-hand flank.
He’s not the most attacking full-back you’ll see in the Premier League but his ability to cut out threats in defence and occasionally get forward to help in attack is a real plus point for the Eagles.
CDM: James McArthur
James McArthur has been very good for Palace this season and it was surprising to see him so quiet during their bad spell before the Southampton win.
He’s a combative, hard-working figure in the middle-of-the-park for Palace and as always, he’s someone whose not afraid to put himself about.
CDM: Joe Ledley
Another man in this Palace team who is performing well after a long injury, it’s good to see Joe Ledley back in action and playing well.
As well as his impressive beard, he’s performing well on the pitch, moving the play forward quickly and cutting out all threats going forward.
RW: Andros Townsend
Pacy winger Andros Townsend has the potential to be a massive part of this Crystal Palace lineup going forward but finding some consistent form will be his biggest task.
The former Newcastle man has bags and bags of pace but he needs, at times, to have a better end product. Still, we think he’d prove a better starter against Hull City than Sako.
CAM: Jason Puncheon
Possibly one of the most underrated attacking midfielders in the Premier League, Jason Puncheon often goes unnoticed when it comes to picking the divisions best influencers.
But when he’s on his game, he’s up there with the best.
Many a time has he made things happen for his side and he’s also capable of chipping in with goals too.
LW: Wilfried Zaha
Especially after Yannick Bolasie’s summer departure, the importance for Wilfried Zaha to step up and play well this season really grew.
He’s been very good at times and slightly quieter on other occasions and like Townsend, finding some real form will be the key to getting the best out of the former Manchester United man.
ST: Christian Benteke
His two goals in the win over Southampton will be huge for the Belgian’s confidence.
Palace fans have been waiting for some end-product from him for a while now but his two strikes against the Saints will serve to prove how important he could be in this side.
He’s a big, powerful option upfront and with such good wingers beside him, there’s no reason why Christian Benteke can’t help his side to a top-half finish come the end of the season.
