Crystal Palace went into Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Derby County in ninth place in the Premier League, but only eight points splits them and the relegation zone. Some might have expected Roy Hodgson to ring the changes for the match, but the line-up was strong, and some fans were worried about that.
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Jordan Ayew started his fourth game since Christmas Day and key players Luka Milivojevic and Martin Kelly were also denied a rest. That strength meant the likes of 19-year-old Nya Kirby was left on the bench and that didn’t please too many fans either. The club have never won the FA Cup but did reach the final in 2016, and it seems Hodgson fancied replicating that feat considering the team he put out, although it was not enough in the end.
Palace announced the line-up on Twitter and many fans weren’t pleased with how many key players started the game, with some fans concerned about the possibility of injuries and others wanting to see more from players who haven’t had their chance so far this season.
COME ON YOU PALACE#CPFC | #EmiratesFACup
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) 5 January 2020
You can see some of their reactions to the tweet below:
Why aren’t we resting our team?? We’re wrought with injuries, we should rest most of our 1st team up!
— Tony Hall (@tgh316) 5 January 2020
Alright how many injuries are we going to get today
— doug2121 (@dougCPFC) 5 January 2020
Fingers crossed no one gets added to the extensive injury list today – would have been nice to see a couple more of the unders getting a start – hopefully they’ll get subbed on with enough time to shine. Nice to see Pierrick starting
— Shannon Ruth Abraham (@Shannon_xoxo) 5 January 2020
Wrong line up for me.. too risky.
— 🦅Brendan Broom 🦅 (@Bbroom74) 5 January 2020
Is it prudent to keep flogging Kelly, Luka and Ayew in a game like this? Kelly has been playing with an injury for the last two weeks.
— Balgeagle78 (@ARJW78) 5 January 2020
Bit too strong, but meyer in the middle and pierrick is tasty
— aaron (@aaron_cpfc) 5 January 2020
Strong team, but can’t help thinking today would’ve been a good chance to try out a youngster at right back to give Kelly a rest.
— Mickey Soap (@mickeysoap) 5 January 2020
Palace fans, who would you have started against Derby on Sunday?
