FOOTBALL fans have ripped into Crystal Palace after they named a hugely defensive starting XI for their trip to Manchester City.
Roy Hodgson’s men head to the champions without a win in five games.
And it seems Roy Hodgson is prioritising keeping things tight at the back.
But those on social media were left bitterly unimpressed by the XI named for the clash at the Etihad.
The Palace XI for the match was named as: Henderson, Clyne, Ward, Guehi, Andersen, Mitchell, Olise, Riedewald, Richards, Schlupp, Mateta.
The Eagles line up with Dean Henderson in goal, but appear to have named a back SIX of Nathaniel Clyne, Joel Ward, Marc Guehi, Joachim Andersen, Tyrick Mitchell and Chris Richards.
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Defensive midfielder Jairo Riedewald has been picked to sit in front of the back five.
Michael Olise, Jeffrey Schlupp and Jean-Philippe Mateta are the only recognised offensive players in Palace’s side – although even Schlupp is more defensively minded.
Football supporters on social media were quick to tear into Hodgson’s selection, while others have simply mocked the team.
One said: “My eyes are bleeding.”
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While another joked: “Surely we need more defenders in that team 😆.”
A third replied: “3 CBs. 3 Fullbacks. Riedewald (CDM or FB). Schlupp (FB or CM). Olise ✅. Mateta.”
And a fourth said: “The old 6-3-1.”
With a fifth responding: “This must be one of the all time worst PL lineups.”
Palace head into the clash in 15th place in the Premier League table, seven points above the relegation zone.
Meanwhile, Man City can move within a point of Liverpool at the top with a victory on Saturday afternoon.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
