November 21 2018

Selhurst Park

It's been a disappointing start to the campaign for Crystal Palace with Roy Hodgson's side hovering precariously above the relegation zone, writes Roland Barker.

They've defended reasonably well so far, but they've been desperately disappointing in the final third and attacking additions are an absolute necessity come January.

Palace have already been linked with a number of players ahead of the transfer window opening on New Years Day with Everton's Ademola Lookman emerging as one of the many realistic targets.

Lookman has cut a frustrated figure this season and his game time has been severely limited under Marco Silva. Many Toffees fans have been calling for his inclusion in recent weeks and, although the majority of supporters do believe that his chance will arrive, he's been unable to play himself into contention so far.

He has terrific awareness, lightning-quick pace and is a very direct player who would be perfect for Palace. The Eagles have struggled to create chances and have relied heavily on Wilfried Zaha this campaign. Lookman would offer an additional threat and would undoubtedly enjoy linking up with the club's talisman.

Rumours have surfaced about the possibility of a swap-deal involving Aaron Wan-Bissaka but the Eagles aren't keen on letting their hugely talented defender leave the club anytime soon.

Despite limited opportunities this season, Lookman has already chalked up one assist in just 130 minutes of football and also netted for the England Under-20s back in June. He isn't afraid to shoot from outside the box and, with a quarter of Palace's goals arriving from the penalty spot this season, that would be a useful weapon to have in the side.

It isn't all doom and gloom for Eagles fans however as the club have already faced five of the top six this season and a number of winnable-looking games await Roy Hodgson's side in December.

Home fixtures against Burnley and Leicester provide an opportunity to get some much-needed points on the board whilst Boxing Day's clash with Cardiff City will be viewed as a must-win game.

The festive fixtures have been kind to the club, although they will be required to play eight times in the space of a month. Any fans who can't attend every single Eagles game throughout the Christmas period can live stream the games with a VPN and see if Palace can take their opportunities against fellow bottom-half sides.

It isn't the first time that Palace have kept tabs on Lookman and January represents their best opportunity to make a bid for the wide-man. He was fantastic against the Eagles in October, setting up Dominic Calvert-Lewin's opener and he would be a superb addition to Hodgson's squad.

They desperately need some firepower and additional creativity and, with five goals in 11 Bundesliga appearances, Lookman fits the bill. He also has experience in the Europa League and would surely enjoy playing in this young, dynamic team.

Palace need to bolster their squad in January and, with the desperately disappointing Jordan Ayew failing to win over the crowd, Lookman would likely add some much-needed energy and excitement to proceedings and that should help get the Selhurst Park crowd back on their feet.