Here’s How Roy Hodgson Plans To Win Against Mourinho
Reuters / Lee Smith
Crystal Palace haven’t been having the best of starts to their Premier League campaign. So far, they’ve not notched a win or scored a single goal, sitting rock bottom in the table.
Just this week, they were demolished 5-0 by a ruthless Manchester City attack. Coming Saturday, they face the other Mancunian side, which too, has been lethal in front of goal. However, manager Roy Hodgson might have a trick up his sleeve.
Crystal Palace have scheduled a behind-closed-doors friendly with National League side Bromley in what is clearly a desperate attempt to sort their bearing before heading to Old Trafford.
Newly appointed boss Roy Hodgson is clearly under pressure. The former England boss enjoys a team that is able to relish its shape and properly execute his tactics in a fluid manner, often employing box-to-box play. Palace, however, have been far from this ideal state.
Having conceded 13 goals in 6 appearances, the side’s defense has been in shambles. Prior to their defeat against Manchester City, they were at least able to reduce their defeat to three goals at the most, as shown in their opener against Huddersfield Town.
But now, after their match against Man Utd, they are scheduled to face Chelsea – another team that is more than happy to score goals.
However, the Eagles will now be undoubtedly hoping to score in the friendly and get into a form that will be able to aid them best, lest they choose to embrace an embarrassing relegation battle early on in the season itself.
The idea, while novel, certainly is far from perfect, and it is highly unlikely that it will lead them to a win against Mourinho’s side. But the least that Hodgson will expect from his boys is to not let in too many goals, and if possible, relinquish a long awaited point.
This too, is highly improbable, what with the Red Devils executing their finest goal-scoring performances in several seasons – four of their six encounters in the League so far culminating in a 4-0 score line. They will certainly look to ape, if not better that number this Saturday.
Written by Naveen Kelvin 
A writer trying to craft the poetry within football. Purpose in life is to Make Good Art