Crystal Palace season preview: Kids should fill Zaha gap underneath Hodgson
The Eagles have entrusted Roy Hodgson with persevering with final yr’s gorgeous revival however few reinforcements have arrived to assist the veteran boss in his quest.
Here, Standard Sport reporter Dom Smith previews the Eagles’ 2023-24 marketing campaign…
What has modified in 11 weeks
Wilfried Zaha has left, so Palace may have a distinct look with out their talisman of the previous decade. Luka Milivojevic and James McArthur have additionally gone, however, after a lot deliberation, Roy Hodgson has stayed on as supervisor.
Transfer enterprise
Their signings have been shrewd, however they simply haven’t made sufficient of them but. Jefferson Lerma on a free switch seems to be good enterprise and there’s actual pleasure round 19-year-old Brazilian Matheus Franca, who has joined from Flamengo for a deal price as much as £26m, however Hodgson has a small squad which wants additional reinforcements.
Tactic to search for
If Palace can hold maintain of Liverpool goal Cheick Doucoure, it will likely be intriguing to see how he and Lerma are deployed. Both defensive midfielders are comparable gamers. Are they too alike to type a double-pivot behind Eberechi Eze?
Success could be… A top-half end. Zaha’s departure is certain to take its toll sooner or later and Palace should discover a new inspiration. But followers concern late strikes for extra of their greatest gamers, with Michael Olise, Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi all coveted by rivals.