Crystal Palace will aim for a good run in the FA Cup this time around as they take on League One side Stockport County.
Oliver Glasner will be pleased with the way his team has been performing over the last many weeks, especially after the way they started the new campaign. The Austrian has already come under intense pressure on more than one ocassion, as this FA Cup opener will be a key to revitalising the squad and easing up on the pressure.
That is provided Crystal Palace can get over the line comfortably and book their place in the fourth round of the competition. Despite their visible rise in form, the big issue for the Eagles is the lack of goals, with only three more teams scoring less than their tally of 21 in the Premier League this season.
More so, they are only five points clear of the drop zone at the moment, and Glasner will want a different route to achieve success this term. That is not to say Palace do not have the pedigree to go the distance in the FA Cup; they have a final in 2016 and a semi-final as recently as 2022 to show for their mettle. As they prepare to host Stockport County at Selhurst Park, Palace will be seen as the overwhelming favourite to progress.
Meanwhile, Stockport County are angling for consecutive promotions and have a good case to make this season. While they have dropped off lately with two wins in their last eight games, they climbed to third on the League One table as recently as November.
They are still within reach of a playoff spot, although their manager, Dave Challinor, will want a concerted push to automatic places in the games remaining this season. As for the FA Cup, Stockport are not considered anywhere close to being favourites, but that does not dismiss the fact that they cannot cause an upset of sorts. In any case, the FA Cup will not be a priority for the club, as a loss will not be seen as disappointing.
Team News & Tactics
Crystal Palace
Oliver Glasner will look to name a balanced lineup that allows some of his regulars to rest up while those in the fringes get important minutes under their belt. There are some key injuries for the manager to contend with, such as key midfielders Adam Wharton and Matheus Franca.
Will Hughes is also a doubt with an ankle problem, which has been the case since the end of December after the Southampton game.
Glasner will keep one of his regular defenders, although the likes of Chadi Riad could get a start here. At the same time, young midfielder Justin Devenny could also come into contention for a role in the middle of the park alongside Cheick Doucoure.
Joel Ward could replace Daniel Munoz on the right wing, while Daichi Kamada and Jeffrey Schlupp could play further forward. Eddie Nketiah could get a chance to impress in the centre-forward role ahead of Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Turner; Clyne, Riad, Chalobah; Ward, Doucoure, Devenny, Mitchell; Kamada, Schlupp; Nketiah
Stockport County
The big blow for Stockport County has been the news regarding top scorer Louie Barry after Aston Villa recalled the striker. Everton also called back Tyler Onyango, while Michael Mellon has returned to Burnley, with the League One side dealt a triple blow of sorts.
Hence, Dave Challinor might have to find viable solutions to replace the trio in the team, and their absence could derail their quest for promotion. As for injuries, Stockport County only have one player doubtful for this trip to Crystal Palace, as defender Jay Mingi could sit out.
Challinor could deploy a back three system much similar to their host, with Kyle Knoyle, Callum Connolly and Ethan Pye all occupying the central defensive positions.
Macauley Southam-Hales and Ryan Rydel will take up those wing-back roles, with midfielders Callum Camps and Odin Bailey camped between the wide players. Jack Diamond and Will Collar are the preferred personnel to play behind striker Kyle Wootton, who will have big shoes to fill after Barry’s departure.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Hinchliffe; Knoyle, Connolly, Pye; Southam-Hales, Camps, Bailey, Rydel; Diamond, Collar; Wootton
Key Stats
- Crystal Palace have won their last three matches against Stockport County in all competitions.
- Crystal Palace have scored at least two goals in their last three home matches against Stockport County in all competitions.
- Crystal Palace are unbeaten in their last three games.
- Stockport Country have only two wins from their last eight games.
Player to Watch
Eddie Nketiah
Could the former Arsenal man give a solid solution to Crystal Palace manager Glasner for the lack of goals in the team? There is a chance for Nketiah to do so, and he is expected to make a start against Stockport County in the FA Cup.
Nketiah, a big signing in the summer has failed to dislodge Jean-Philippe Mateta off his starting role, as well as not convinced Glasner to use them both together. Instead, the former Gunners star has been sitting on the bench for most parts, although he has improved his game a bit of late and should put in a goalscoring display against Stockport.
Prediction
Crystal Palace 3-0 Stockport County
Stockport County are missing three key stars who their parent clubs recalled, and the effect of those absentees will be felt on the pitch on Sunday. The League One side will particularly miss striker Barry and his goalscoring prowess, as they might not be able to break down an otherwise stubborn Palace backline.
Crystal Palace have shown signs of improvement of late, and that could reflect with a solid enough performance against Stockport County to book their place into the fourth round of the FA Cup. The Eagles are expected to score plenty, as well as keep a clean sheet to make sure they build momentum from here onwards.
