Crystal Palace are set to face Everton in their FA Cup Third Round replay, and fans are keen on seeing some changes.
Roy Hodgson’s side have had 12 days off since a 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park on January 4th, and with a tough trip to Arsenal at the weekend, the replay was not an ideal fixture to have in the midweek when other sides have had a two-week break.
Crystal Palace are still suffering from several injuries within the squad, and Michael Olise is set to miss the next few games with his hamstring issue.
There has been plenty of talk over summer signing Matheus Franca. The Brazilian has barely been given an opportunity, but started against Everton in the last game, and looked bright in what was a rare chance for him to shine, with fans eager for him to be given a fair chance.
Roy Hodgson coy on whether Franca will start vs Everton
Speaking via club media, Hodgson refused to confirm if the 19-year-old will be handed another chance in the FA Cup on Wednesday’s trip to Goodison Park.
He is very much a member of our first-team squad,” Hodgson stated.
“He is a guy who is always trying to push for a place in the team.
“We know his ability and we appreciate his ability, and I am sure he will get lots and lots of chances going forwards.
“We will see on Wednesday night if we play him or not. I’m not prepared to give the team away yet – Sean [Dyche] will have to guess that!”
Matheus Franca should start again vs Everton
Crystal Palace face an odd dilemma in the FA Cup. Results in the league have been far from ideal, but there is little immediate threat of relegation danger given Everton’s point deduction and the quality of the teams in the bottom three.
With this in mind, a cup run could be good, and a chance for Palace to find some joy in what has otherwise been a miserable season of results and performances. However, Palace may not have enough depth to embark on a run whilst league results are poor.
The next round will see the winner of this replay take on Luton or Bolton Wanderers at home, in what could be a good opportunity to reach the fifth round and beyond.
Hodgson could name a strong lineup, but Franca should be starting regardless. Jordan Ayew is away at the African Cup of Nations, and with Olise out, the youngster should be given another opportunity to stake a claim for a starting spot.
If Franca manages to impress against Everton, there is little reason why he cannot be allowed a run of games to develop whilst Palace are suffering from key absences. If there is one positive that can be gained from the rest of the campaign, young players being allowed to improve is something which can be taken into next season.
