‘Hughes axed, Ward denied dream’ – Crystal Palace FA Cup predicted XI v Man City
Crystal Palace will be looking to win their first ever major honour when they take on Man City in the FA Cup final at Wembley.
The Eagles will be looking to create history at Wembley on Saturday (17 May), as they take on Pep Guardiola’s side.
They go into this game in good form as well, having gone unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions, with a 2-0 win at Tottenham last time out.
Crystal Palace comfortably beat Aston Villa 3-0 in the semi final to secure a return to Wembley for this showpiece event, and a repeat performance would be ideal.
Manager Oliver Glasner is already attracting interest from elsewhere, and getting the right setup here to claim the trophy would only enhance his reputation.
So here, we’ve taken at how Football Insider think Crystal Palace will lineup for that FA Cup final clash with Man City.
Joel Ward to miss out as back three stays the same
Dean Henderson
Henderson has been a reliable ever-present between the posts in the Premier League this season, and made some outstanding saves in the semi final win over Villa. For a game as big as this there can be no doubt he will remain in goal.
Marc Guehi
Another impressive season has seen Guehi linked with the likes of Liverpool and Newcastle, and winning this trophy to qualify for Europe may be key to any hopes Crystal Palace might have of keeping him. His leadership as captain will also be vital to their hopes of lifting the trophy too.
Maxence Lacroix
Lacroix has been outstanding in his debut season at Selhurst Park, slotting in nicely to replace Joachim Andersen in the back three. Producing another towering performance to help claim som long-awaited silverware would be a fitting way to end the campaign.
Chris Richards
Richards has stepped in well since Trevoh Chalobah was recalled from his loan spell by Chelsea, and it would be a surprise if he was not given the nod here in a key game. That means that as Crystal Palace legend Joel Ward prepares to bow out after 13 years at the club, he would miss out on a place in the XI.
Tyrick Mitchell
While he hasn’t quite hit the heights in the same way as previous seasons, Mitchell remains the standout choice at left wing-back for Glasner’s side, and he will surely be named among the starting XI for such a key game with that in mind.
Adam Wharton to return after injury
Daichi Kamada
After a slow start to his debut campaign at Selhurst Park, Kamada has produced some outstanding performances to emerge into a key figure for Crystal Palace, and he will surely be looked to do the same again at Wembley.
Adam Wharton
Wharton missed the win at Tottenham last time out, but Glasner has confirmed the Man City, Man United and Tottenham transfer target is fit after coming through training this week, and his quality will be a huge boost. As a result, Will Hughes may have to settle for a place on the bench despite his strong season.
Daniel Munoz
Munoz is another who has been a major asset to Crystal Palace this season, not least with the attacking threat he has posed when getting forward. The Colombian is therefore another who feels certain to start, as he looks to add to his previous Belgian Cup success with Genk.
Crystal Palace attack poses major threats
Ebere Eze
Eze goes into this game in excellent form with five goals in his last four games, including that spectacular opening goal in the semi final. The England international therefore looks to be hitting top form at just the right time for such as big game for his side.
Ismaila Sarr
The two-goal hero for Crystal Palace in the semi final, Sarr is starting to get the recognition he deserves for an excellent campaign. If he can continue to produce that level of performance again here, he could be key to any hopes his side have of lifting the trophy.
Jean-Philippe Mateta
Mateta has seen himself touted for a move to Arsenal this season following his outstanding goals and performances for Glasner’s side, which are going to make him a key player in a game such as this, with his ability to hold play up and put defences under pressure also crucial to any hopes they have of success.