Crystal Palace V Blackpool at Selhurst Park : Match Preview

22 August 2016 16:34
Crystal Palace V Blackpool - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Crystal Palace to assess Christian Benteke ahead of Blackpool cup tie

Crystal Palace will assess Christian Benteke's condition before deciding whether to hand the B#27million striker a debut against Blackpool in the EFL Cup.

Benteke completed his move to Selhurst Park from Liverpool over the weekend but is short of match fitness.

Palace defender Damien Delaney says himself and his team-mates should not treat Christian Benteke as their saviour.

"We're not signing (Lionel) Messi, he's a good player but he's not a player who is going to get the ball and make things happen," Delaney told the Evening Standard.

"We've got to work on the midfield players, wide players, defenders, full-backs and have better service and a better way about us.

"He brings a presence, he's a handful, but Connor Wickham is as well. It's time we stop talking about things and go and win games.

"We have to get some ammunition for him, get some crosses in the box, give him supply. You can say we're not scoring goals, but we're not creating enough chances and that's coming back to the midfielders and defenders, it's up to us to get better service.

"If we were missing a whole host of chances, you just want finishers, but I don't remember (Tottenham goalkeeper Michel) Vorm really doing anything if I'm honest with you.

"It's not the centre-forwards' fault, it's a team game."

Boss Alan Pardew could also give a debut to goalkeeper Steve Mandanda, who joined from Marseille over the summer.

Blackpool manager Gary Bowyer will hope that new signing Armand Gnanduillet can solve his side's attacking crisis, as four such players are still out injured.

Danny Philliskirk (ankle), Jamille Matt (knee), Jack Redshaw (shin splints) and Kyle Vassell (thigh) are all sidelined.

Gnanduillet made his Seasiders' debut on Saturday as a substitute, coming on in the 64th minute of the goalless draw with Wycombe.

He was an unused substitute for former side Leyton Orient in their EFL Cup first round tie, meaning he is available in the competition to Blackpool.


Source: PAR