Crystal Palace could be boosted by unleashing Matheus Franca against Chelsea this evening, as Roy Hodgson hunts for a much-needed three points at Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace welcome London rivals Chelsea to Selhurst Park this evening in the Premier League, as Roy Hodgson faces a difficult challenge to decide his best XI to face the Blues amid a significant injury crisis.
Before the 4-1 defeat to Brighton last time out, things seemed to be on a relatively positive path for the manager, as Michael Olise had returned from his hamstring injury and was hitting top form to revitalise the Eagles at a critical time.
Just 11 minutes into his cameo against the Seagulls, the Frenchman was hauled off due to a recurrence of his hamstring woes, taking his recovery back to square one and leaving Hodgson low on resources once more.
Crystal Palace team news vs Chelsea
As well as Olise, six other stars will be absent for Chelsea’s visit to Selhurst Park as Cheick Doucoure, Rob Holding, Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi, Joel Ward and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi join the 22-year-old on the sidelines.
Speaking ahead of the fixture, the manager issued a plea for the supporters to sympathise for his squad’s situation amid the injury crisis.
“We are in a very weakened situation, and we could do with their assistance and sympathy, because there will be players playing on Monday night that have not played that many games in the Palace first team.”
Palace must find some positivity in a dark spell that the manager has dubbed the “toughest period” of his career, which they could find by adjusting the attack to cover the loss of creativity that Olise provided.
One player with limited experience in the Premier League that could be utilised by Hodgson against Chelsea is Matheus Franca, who has shown some encouraging signs that he could offer his side a creative option amid the current absences.
Why Matheus Franca should start for Crystal Palace against Chelsea
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the manager hinted that the Brazilian could have a role to play in the near future.
“Our squad is getting so much smaller and they play in the area where we are missing players,” Hodgson said. “Both [Ahamada and França] have benefitted from time [here].”
“They understand more what we are trying to do and their game is constantly improving. Now for them, when they get a chance, they have to really grasp that.”
Previously lauded as “dazzling” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, tonight could present Franca with the chance to grasp the opportunity of having a potential vacancy to help the Eagles after his summer move from Flamengo.
Against Brighton, the teenager replaced Olise to earn a 34-minute cameo at the Amex where he displayed how bright he could be once fully settled in the Premier League.
Recording two shots, registering a 100% passing accuracy rate and completing two out of his three attempted dribbles against the Seagulls, via Sofascore, the foundations are there for Franca to offer a refreshing outlet from the flank in the absence of Olise.
The display of the young Brazilian showed more than can be said for Jeffrey Schlupp of late, who could benefit from rotation to inspire some competition in the bid to encourage a higher level of performance.
Only time will tell if Hodgson will take a gamble and start the teenager against Chelsea, in a move that could give Palace a new sense of danger despite their woeful injury situation.
