Crystal Palace travel to Leeds on Sunday in what is a crucial clash as far as the Premier League relegation battle is concerned.
The south Londoners sit just one point above the Whites in 12th with 30 points to their name, although Roy Hodgson or Javi Gracia could still find themselves in the relegation zone if they lose at Elland Road on Sunday.
Bournemouth – who sit 18th – have 27 points to their name.
In what is a crucial game, Crystal Palace will be handing out another Premier League debut after recently giving 19-year-old Joe Whitworth his first taste of top-flight football.
What’s the story?
Well, Sam Johnstone is set to make his Premier League debut for Crystal Palace against Leeds on Sunday.
The England international was signed on a free transfer back in July after his West Brom contract expired.
However, Johnstone has struggled to dislodge Vicente Guaita from in between the sticks, while a calf injury also affected his chances of action.
Nevertheless, the 30-year-old is now expected to make his Premier League debut for Crystal Palace.
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Hodgson told The Athletic that Guaita will miss the clash against Leeds due to a calf issue of his own.
The 75-year-old said: “The double whammy was Vicente Guaita who brought up something in his calf at half-time. He was feeling his calf and has a similar degree of calf strain so we’re without both of them (Guaita and Zaha) for the game against Leeds.”
Fortunately for Crystal Palace, Johnstone has recovered from his own calf injury just in time to replace the Spaniard.
Leeds will be pleased with news from Crystal Palace
While Gracia has injury problems within his own camp, he will surely be pleased to hear that Hodgson is without both Guaita and Zaha.
The pair are key players for Crystal Palace, and while Johnstone is a reliable, experienced replacement, the £43,000-a-week man is lacking match sharpness having only made two Carabao Cup appearances this season.
Jordan Ayew – who is expected to replace Zaha – is also nowhere near as dangerous as the Ivory Coast international.
Therefore, Leeds will be feeling quietly confident about getting a result against the south Londoners.
In other news, Emery may miss out as Aston Villa target Gabri Veiga wants Arsenal
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