Palace v Villa Pre-Match Thread

[brontebilly]

With the team being so narrow at present, one change that I would make for Tomorrow is to bring Richardson in at left-back instead of Cissokho. Cissokho's solid enough defensively, but doesn't offer much going forward. I imagine that most of palace's attacking play will be channeled through Bolasie down the right, so reckon we could use Richardson as an attacking outlet. It would also give us a set-piece threat that's missing without N'Zogbia in the side.

All the more reason for Cissokho to start imo. Certainly Richardson coming into that position as a wing back or left back should be considered if we need to chase the game. With our narrow midfield, our full backs really need to provide width and pace out wide. Our duo arent really suited to that role despite Hutton's good form. Richardson would at least give us another outlet but his form has been dire imo in his recent sub appearances.

Along with the concerns of Cole starting games in quick succession, you would have to worry about Okore also. His mistake at Burnley cost us two points but it was a real tired mistake. A third game in eight days for a guy just back from 14 months out is worrying and the chance of picking up another injury is surely increased. Other than that Ive been impressed his partnership with Clark over the past two games. If they were both fine to play Id be leaving the likes of Vlaar, Baker and Senderos on the bench if they are back. That trio are bound to be pretty rusty in any case.

Sanchez too isnt going to last 90mins so Lambert really needs to be proactive with his substitutions. If we were a bit more secure, this is probably the ideal time to rotate the starting line up a bit but cant see it happening tomorrow. Bacuna, Grealish, Gabby/Weimann, Robinson, Richardson are all decent options.

Its going to be a real dogfight at Selhurst Park, 1-1 again the likely scoreline Im afraid.

[WestleyArmsAV]

1-3 Benteke x 2, Gabby

Another good day out, lets back the team.

UTV

[silhillvilla]

Is there a more difficult ground to get to  ? As for parking the car, the palace website is really helpful -

Car Parking
Most streets around the ground are either designated as residents only parking on matchdays or are pay and display with a four hour limit, so please take note of any street signs advising of parking restrictions.

The Sainsburys car park adjacent to the ground also has parking restrictions on a matchday allowing cars to stay for a maximum of four and a half hours. Anyone exceeding this time limit will be fined.

Please note that the traffic is busy around the stadium on Saturdays so make sure you allow yourself some extra time to make the journey.

[Toronto Villa]

we'll win the game if we commit ourselves to winning the game. Sounds completely obvious but we haven't done that in a long time. And I don't mean for a 20 minute spell either. I mean by having a proper game plan where we are able to sustain our tempo throughout 90 minutes. We don't have to be constantly pressing because there will be spells for the opposition where they press us back, but the majority of the game we should be on the front foot. Given that this won't happen I expect us to be pushed back more and more until eventually we concede. It will be a nice if we have managed a goal or two by that stage, but with 7 seven scored the stats are hardly in our favour.

[silhillvilla]

We must man mark Barry Bannan .

[l_mckay]

I would take another draw right now but can't see it. 2-0 to them

[tomd2103]

Can't see us getting anything here.

I'd go with (if fit).

Guzan
Hutton Okore Clark Cissokho
Sanchez
Westwood         Cleverly
Cole
Weimann Benteke

Cole and Weimann linked up well together. Weimann is better centrally.

Benteke has to come back in.

To be honest, that is the formation I would like to see us at least try.  We've got natural changes in that formation, with Richardson and Grealish coming on for Cole and Sanchez when they tire, and Agbonlahor to replace Weimann if necessary. 

[tomd2103]

We must man mark Barry Bannan .

Shouldn't be too hard as he'll more than likely be sat on the bench or in the stand won't he?

[UK Redsox]

Is there a more difficult ground to get to  ? As for parking the car, the palace website is really helpful -

Park in Croydon and walk. That's what I did last season and it was far easier than trying to park near the ground

[UK Redsox]

We must man mark Barry Bannan .

Shouldn't be too hard as he'll more than likely be sat on the bench or in the stand won't he?

I'd forgotten that the Scottish Messi was still at Palace

[MONCABA]

My heart says a 3-0 victory.  My head says a 0-0 stalemate .

[JUAN PABLO]

Is there a more difficult ground to get to  ? As for parking the car, the palace website is really helpful -

Car Parking
Most streets around the ground are either designated as residents only parking on matchdays or are pay and display with a four hour limit, so please take note of any street signs advising of parking restrictions.

The Sainsburys car park adjacent to the ground also has parking restrictions on a matchday allowing cars to stay for a maximum of four and a half hours. Anyone exceeding this time limit will be fined.

Please note that the traffic is busy around the stadium on Saturdays so make sure you allow yourself some extra time to make the journey.

I'd just park in martyn Smiths front room.

[manic-road]

I will go for a 1-4 win Benteke back with a bang.
Oh well I can dream.

[supertom]

Guzan

Hutton
Okore
Clark
Cissokho

Sanchez
Cleverley

Gabby
Cole
Bacuna

Benteke.

4-2-3-1

Grealish and Westwood to replace Cole and Sanchez when they tire.

[Matt Collins]

I've just watched the Burnley highlights. I thought we looked good going fwds. Couldn't quite tell the formation - was it a diamond with Cole behind the front two?

My big reservation would be the number of chances conceded from balls thrown into the box. On the basis of that, I thought we were lucky to get a point. They could have scored a fair few

I'm assuming Cole isn't ready to play three in a week, given that he was taken off despite being our best player. But it would be a shame to lose what he clearly brought to the side. On balance, I think I'd prioritise him to unlock Leicester at home

Benteke for Cole then the only change as long as Clark is fit

I actually fancied us to get a win here. But having just seen the chances Burnley created I can envisage exactly the same sort of game and a 2-1 defeat