Analysis

Why Eddie Nketiah injury could see Wilfried Zaha 2.0 emerge at Crystal Palace

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Injuries are currently piling up for Crystal Palace, but the latest could see a new star emerge for Oliver Glasner.

After a horrific run to open the season, Crystal Palace are now on a three-game unbeaten streak which has encompassed wins over both Tottenham and Aston Villa.

Despite this, the Eagles remain 17th in the league table and are now suffering from an extensive injury list which threatens to derail the revival.

Position Team Played MP Won W Drawn D Lost L For GF Against GA Diff GD Points Pts
15 LeicesterLeicester10 2 4 4 14 18 -4 10
16 EvertonEverton10 2 3 5 10 17 -7 9
17 Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace10 1 4 5 8 13 -5 7
18 IpswichIpswich10 0 5 5 10 21 -11 5
19 SouthamptonSouthampton10 1 1 8 7 19 -12 4

Injuries are proving fatal, wiping out first-choice selections in various positions which is a major concern for the Eagles.

All absentees are a blow for different reasons, but it is the most recent who may give one brilliant academy player a golden opportunity.

Asher Agbinone now has a golden opportunity

The attacking positions in particular have been ravaged by injury, with Eze and now Nketiah both out – leaving just Ismaila Sarr as an option from the preferred first-choice options.

However, the injury to Nketiah could actually prove golden for one Crystal Palace youngster.

Nottingham Forest FC v Crystal Palace FC - Premier League
Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images

Of all the players coming through the academy right now – Asher Agbinone is right up there with the most exciting of the bunch.

The recently turned 19-year-old winger made his debut against Nottingham Forest and Agbinone instantly blew fans away as they demanded his minutes increase.

A failure to use Agbinone earlier was one which was among the worst decisions Glasner made in this loss.

Agbinone has been likened to Wilfried Zaha for his ability to beat his man and be the most dangerous player on the pitch at all times – so could in many ways be like a Zaha 2.0.

Crystal Palace could have two full debutants vs Fulham

Agbinone has already made his professional debut this season, however, a start against Fulham would be a new height in his career and one he would be desperate to seize.

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    • Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace

      FulhamFulham

However, Agbinone may not even be the story of the day, as the absences of Lerma, Wharton and then Will Hughes through suspension could force a debut for Justin Devenny.

The 21-year-old Northern Irish midfielder will be in competition with Daichi Kamada and Cheick Doucoure to start here.

However, with Doucoure injury-prone and Kamada not great in the number eight position – Devenny could be at a real advantage.