Not sure why Wilf won't be marked just the same. What the oppo have to contend with if we do play 4-4-2 which you and maybe blogger are referring to is, a gap between midfield and the 2 strikers. That gives them a bit of elasticity to double up on Wilf Id expect.

We've made some great signings but there are limitations to what we can do. No real number 10 and if Cabaye or Jimmac get injured the quality to turn defence into attack and accuracy of passing just isn't there with the others.

I can see AP trying 4-3-3 to get:

a) Benteke and Remy playing. Remy can play wide in a 4-3-3.

b) Having 3 mids who can do a mixture of defence and attack. Best example is Cabay, Jimmac and Punch.

But that'll mean 1 of Wilf or Townsend sitting out, although a change in most games on 60 mins would be most welcome. But would you want to take off Remy? So if it's either Wilf or Townsend there's a problem.

Edited by Rudi Hedman (02 Sep 2016 8.16pm)

COYP

Of all the players that have come in the one I have most concern about is Remy. He hasn't played a lot and has had a lot of injuries over last few years. If he is the Remy that was at Newcastle no problem but seemed a shadow of his former self last year at Chelsea

It's a dilemma and dilemmas are usually good for a manager because they mean options. Only in our case the lack of real quality in attacking mid hinders us.

For me Jimmac is one of those I'd have 1st on the team sheet with Dann and Benteke. That's your 1st choices through the spine whatever the formation. Then you're bound to have Cabaye next to him and when they were on form we were at our best. But we had usually Punch between them and the striker. That means Remy probably wouldn't start and it's a good point about fitness levels so that's maybe what AP will do to begin with.

So to start I'd expect similar to last season if they're all available with Townsend instead of Bolasie and Benteke up top:

Ward, Dann, Tomkins, Souare
Zaha, Cabaye, Jimmac, Townsend
----------Punch-----------
---------Benteke----------

Then I suspect he'll aim to go 4-3-3 with:

Ward, Dann, Tomkins, Souare
---Cabaye, Punch, Jimmac---
---RW-----Benteke-----Remy

RW could be either Zaha or Townsend and so could LW.

They both look the same but I don't see Remy tracking back enough in a 4-4-1-1 or 4-2-3-1 or whatever guise.

Lee is going to be interesting but I'll be surprised if he's as good as he was vs Bournemouth.

Edited by Rudi Hedman (02 Sep 2016 8.28pm)

COYP

Nice one flash! - Good link that one.

But if you must be careful not to insite a dangerous outbreak of optimism on here!

I'm off to run round the block waving my cup final flag! Eeeeeeeguulllsss!

I gave it a 7 or 8 now I give it an 8 because tme will tell regarding injuries and the few positions we're vulnerable in. I am not criticising SP or AP, just highlighting the situation. We've signed really well but don't get carried away.

We have lost Remy and the nonsensical reaction of it being a blessing in disguise shows fan denial of such problems. He is not only a striker but a wide option. The only quality one to take players on maybe.

Flamini is another lacking match fitness so people need to give him as a 100% option a little time as well. We really needed one more at number 10 or midfield cos we're 1 injury from being limited again. But that's not a moan, it's a limitation.

Talk of mid-table at least is another premature expectation. It's a slippery pole from there to 17th so anywhere 2 results away from 18th is fine as a minimum and none of this win a Couple and lose 4 in a row risky stuff please.

Roll on Saturday. Everyone needs it.

Edited by Rudi Hedman (09 Sep 2016 12.04pm)

COYP

I think Palace are poised to make steady improvement in the league table once all their new signings are matchfit and key people like JimmyMac are really up to speed. Most people realise I think that whilst we have made a great start in renewing and upgrading the squad we are still maybe 3 or 4 top quality players short, and it may take a couple more windows to get these players in. Meanwhile the injury to Remy leaves us light again in the striker department, and we are vulnerable if we dont put a few decent results on the board soon...