Crystal Palace’s over-reliance on Wilfried Zaha could prove costly if performances do not improve over the festive period.

The Eagles look like a different team without their star player – Palace haven’t won a game without Zaha in the side since September 2016 when Alan Pardew was in charge. Roy Hodgson worked miracles to save the club from relegation last year but has struggled to have a similar impact in the new campaign. Palace’s lack of goals this season has been a real issue with Jordan Ayew failing to find the back of the net once since joining on loan from Swansea City in the summer.

The January transfer window opens in less than a month, and the former England manager will have the opportunity to add to his attacking options. With Alexander Sorloth yet to start a Premier League game this season, it’s clear Hodgson has lost faith in his current crop of attackers. Signing a new number ten to get the best out of his attackers would be a wise move.

One man who should be on his shortlist is Wigan Athletic midfielder – Nick Powell. Valued at £2.7m by Transfermarkt, the Englishman has developed into a crucial player for Latics after failing to break into the Manchester United first-team. Powell played a massive role in Wigan’s successful promotion bid last season, netting 15 league goals as well as registering seven assists for his team-mates in League One.

Powell’s excellent showings have continued in the higher division, scoring four and creating five in the Championship so far. With excellent dribbling skills and the vision to unlock a defence, the 24-year-old could help Zaha get back to his best in the Palace attack. His eye for a goal would also help lessen the goalscoring burden on the shoulders of the Ivorian.

With less than a year remaining on his contract, the Eagles should grab themselves a bargain in January and give Powell another chance to succeed in the Premier League.

Crystal Palace fans, thoughts?