Crystal Palace’s upcoming friendly with Famalicao gives Pierre Sage another opportunity to assess his squad after Saturday’s disappointing defeat at Bromley.
The Eagles will play their second 45-minute match of the evening at the Como Cup, so several younger and fringe players should start in Italy.
Palace face RC Lens before meeting Famalicao at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on Tuesday. The second match kicks off at 7.30pm BST and will be shown live on Palace TV+.
The unusual format gives Sage the chance to use almost two separate teams. It should also reduce the physical demands on Cheick Doucouré and Eddie Nketiah following their recent returns from long-term injuries.
Famalicao vs Crystal Palace team news
Nketiah and Doucouré could feature against Lens before being rested for the second fixture. That would create opportunities for Matheus França, David Ozoh and several academy players.
França was one of Palace’s strongest performers despite the 3-0 defeat at Bromley. The Brazilian found dangerous central positions but could not convert his chances, while Ozoh impressed through his ball carrying and work in the deeper build-up.
The ReadCrystalPalace player ratings from Hayes Lane also identified Joel Drakes-Thomas as another player who strengthened his first-team claim. The 17-year-old added direct running and urgency after the interval.
Joe Whitworth could start in goal, with George King, Mofe Jemide and Jaydee Canvot forming a young back three. Jesurun Rak-Sakyi and Drakes-Thomas should support França in attack.
Famalicao enter the tournament following an unbeaten pre-season programme. They have recorded five consecutive clean sheets, although five of their seven summer goals came against their own Under-23 side.
Carlos Carvalhal can select a strong attacking group including Umar Abubakar, Gil Dias, Gustavo Sá and Sorriso.
Sage needs a response after Bromley defeat
Pre-season results carry limited importance, particularly when managers use separate teams and experiment with unfamiliar positions. Palace must still produce a more controlled performance after conceding three second-half goals against League One opposition.
The Eagles created enough openings at Hayes Lane but failed to take them. Defensive errors then allowed Bromley to move clear, as covered in ReadCrystalPalace’s match report.
Sage will want greater composure when Palace build from the back. He will also expect the attacking players to make quicker decisions inside the penalty area.
França has an important opportunity. His hat-trick against Swindon was followed by another lively display at Bromley, and a central role appears to suit him better than starting from the touchline.
Predicted Crystal Palace lineup and score
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Joe Whitworth; George King, Mofe Jemide, Jaydee Canvot; Rio Cardines, David Ozoh, Justin Devenny, Borna Sosa; Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, Joel Drakes-Thomas; Matheus França.
Famalicao’s organisation and clean-sheet record should make this a demanding 45 minutes. However, Palace possess enough individual attacking quality to respond positively.
Prediction: Famalicao 1-2 Crystal Palace
