Hodgson Shuffles the Pack with Three Changes for Leicester Battle – Team News Update
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has made three changes to the team that secured a point against Arsenal last weekend, with Joel Ward, Cheikhou Kouyaté and Andros Townsend all returning to the starting eleven ahead of their clash with Leicester City.
Team News
After securing a point against Arsenal at Selhurst Park last weekend, Hodgson has decided to make changes to his starting lineup as they travel to King Power Stadium to face Leicester City. The three players coming in for Palace are Joel Ward, Cheikhou Kouyaté and Andros Townsend.
Ward, who has not featured since mid-December due to injury, replaces Nathaniel Clyne at right-back. Kouyaté, who did not feature in the previous game, replaces James McCarthy in midfield. Townsend replaces Jeffrey Schlupp on the left-wing, who drops to the bench alongside Clyne and McCarthy.
This lineup means that Palace will once again feature with a back four as they seek to build on their strong performance against Arsenal.
The Opposition
Leicester City, on the other hand, will be looking to continue their unbeaten run in the Premier League, which has seen them sit in third place in the table.
The Foxes have made just one change to their lineup from their previous fixture against Leeds United, with Harvey Barnes replacing Dennis Praet in midfield. This means that James Maddison will once again start in the number ten role, hoping to build on his recent impressive performances.
Meanwhile, Leicester will also be without key players such as Wilfred Ndidi and Ricardo Pereira, which could prove to be a factor in the game.
Prediction
With both teams in strong form, it promises to be an intriguing battle between two sides that have impressed in recent weeks.
Palace will be looking to continue their good form away from home, having picked up impressive results against the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal on their travels this season.
Meanwhile, Leicester will be hoping to continue their strong home record, having won six of their ten home games so far this season.
Despite the home advantage, a draw may be a fair result in this tightly contested fixture.
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Summary: Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has made three changes to his starting lineup ahead of their clash with Leicester City. The return of Joel Ward, Cheikhou Kouyaté and Andros Townsend sees Palace revert to a back four formation. Leicester City will be hoping to continue their impressive run of form and strong home record, but may face a tough test against a resolute Palace side. A draw could be a fair result in this closely contested battle in the Premier League. #NEWS
