September 13 2018

James McArthur

Hunter Young looks at the major player battles in Crystal Palace's game at Huddersfield.

Following a bright start to the season, Palace have fallen off the pace with three straight defeats. The loss directly prior to the international break was especially disappointing as a home reverse to Southampton left both the team and the fans wanting more.

Huddersfield have endured a similarly disappointing start with only two draws to their name. The Terriers will be eyeing a first taste of victory at home with the struggling Eagles appearing an easy target.

James McArthur v Philip Billing

Philip Biling has come into his own after making only 16 appearances last season with the young midfielder starting every game for Huddersfield this term. The Danish midfielder is also responsible for scoring half of their goals too with his strike against Everton helping to secure a draw last time out.

With James McArthur out of action for Scotland the midfielder will hope to continue his run in the team and hold off summer signing Cheikhou Kouyate. Despite not finding the net yet, the midfielder has continued to impress with his work rate and will consider himself unlucky not to have netted yet with several chances blocked close to goal.

Alexander Sorloth v Terence Kongolo

After spending last season on loan at Huddersfield, Terence Kongolo made the permanent move from French club Monaco for £18million. The tall and physical defender creates an imposing challenge for any opponent and leads his club in interceptions and clearances so far in the young campaign. The Dutchman will be called upon to limit the Palace front two as keeping this game low scoring will be crucial for the Terriers.

With the injury picked up by Christian Benteke while representing Belgium over the international break, Alexander Sorloth will likely be in line to start in his place. While Jordan Ayew played last week, Sorloth is a more of a like-for-like replacement than Ayew and should fill the role of the physical presence. After scoring his first Palace goal in a competitive match in the Carabao Cup, he will be looking to open his Premier League account.

Embed from Getty Images

Max Meyer v Florent Hadergjonaj

Florent Hadergjonaj is another player who signed with Town this summer after a successful loan spell from FC Ingolstadt last season. The Swiss right back has also established himself as a first-choice this season, starting and finishing all four games. Hadergjonaj will not only have to slow down whichever Palace player starts on the left wing, but the drifting runs of Wilfried Zaha and the other forwards.

Max Meyer should get his chance to start against Huddersfield Town. The big summer signing has been kept out of the team to this point by Jeffery Schlupp, but now should have his fitness levels up having not had any real pre-season training. Meyer has looked electric every time he has come onto the pitch and is undoubtedly a better player than Schlupp, who despite his merits has struggled in recent weeks.

Embed from Getty Images