September 30 2018

Wayne Hennessey

Hunter Young picks out three player match-ups to watch in the Premier League encounter between Crystal Palace and Bournemouth.

If Crystal Palace are to push for a top-half finish, they need to seize opportunities against opponents who are vulnerable or of equal standing.

The Eagles failed in this department last week after being held to a scoreless draw by 18th-placed Newcastle, in a game in which they missed multiple chances.

Bournemouth come into the game ranked eighth in the league but suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat at Burnley last week and will fancy their chances of defeating the Eagles on soil.

Wayne Hennessey v Ryan Fraser

Ryan Fraser has had an absolutely blazing start to the season with three goals and two assist across his six appearances. The versatile Scotsman has been deployed all across the pitch by Eddie Howe, from the right wing on a front three, to the left midfielder in a 4-4-2. If Palace want to get any points from this game, keeping Fraser quiet will be key.

Palace have been very defensively stout this season with their six goals conceded being beaten only by the top three teams in the league. The key to this new-found resilience has been the outstanding play of Wayne Hennessey. The competition provided by summer signing Vicente Guaita has done Hennessey well as his form, and more importantly consistency, have both been well above their normal levels so far this year.

Jordan Ayew v Steve Cook

Steve Cook has been immense for the Cherries so far this season. The centre-back is approaching club legend status and this weekend’s game will mark his 250th appearance for the club in all competitions.

A peek at the statistics reveals the importance of the Englishman to the team as he leads the team in passes, interceptions, clearances, and aerial battles won. The partnership that Cook has formed with the young Nathan Ake also demonstrates his leadership skills as the pair form an imposing duo.

It is no secret that the Eagles have struggled to put the ball in the back of the net thus far. The only teams that have scored less than the Eagles' four goals are basement dwellers Cardiff City and Huddersfield. Jordan Ayew could be looking at his last chance to make a case for his long-term involvement in the starting line-up as his return of zero goals so far is disappointing.

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Mamadou Sakho v Callum Wilson

Callum Wilson, much like Fraser, has had an excellent start to the campaign with two goals and two assists to his name. The English striker has linked up well with the other players around him in Joshua King and Fraser. If Palace hope to limit the fiery Bournemouth attack, then shutting down Wilson will be the first step.

Mamadou Sakho will probably have been kicking himself all week after missing a sitter of a chance to put Palace ahead off an Andros Townsend cross last week. The Frenchman still put in a solid defensive performance but will be looking to make things right with an excellent all-around performance. The return of James Tomkins to the line-up has undoubtedly helped Sakho and the duo will be looking for a third straight clean sheet on Monday night.

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