Oliver Glasner has now officially started work at Crystal Palace following Roy Hodgson’s resignation on Monday.
The 49-year-old held his first training session at Copers Cope on Tuesday as he attempts to implement his methods, with many expecting a new formation.
This exact shape was seen in Monday’s 1-1 draw against Everton, suggesting Glasner had some influence on Paddy McCarthy and Ray Lewington’s lineup.
Once the man from Salzburg gets his feet under the table and examines his squad, here is the XI we expect to see once a few key players have returned from injury.
Now, the likes of Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise, Marc Guehi and Cheick Doucoure are unlikely to be fit in time for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Burnley – although this is how we expect Glasner to use the quartet when available.
In the meantime, we will presumably see Jordan Ayew in place of Olise, with either Odsonne Edouard or Matheus Franca in place of Eze – or even Naouirou Ahamada.
Jefferson Lerma will also continue to play in place of Doucoure – although we expect the Colombian to drop out when the Malian regains full fitness, given Adam Wharton’s immense start to life in SE25 and the £22m invested to secure his services.
In regards to Guehi, Joel Ward will presumably continue to deputise for the England international in central defence.
Tactically speaking, fans should expect to see the same system used on Monday against Everton, in which Tyrick Mitchell and Daniel Munoz pushed very high up the pitch, and the likes of Ayew and Edouard swarmed around Mateta to feed off his superb hold up play.
It is a shame that Glasner – who did one very impressive thing in his interview – cannot call upon four players who are arguably the best footballers at Crystal Palace, although there is still plenty of talent for the Austrian to work with in the meantime.
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