Crystal Palace potentially changing formation next season ‘will excite’ some of the club’s supporters, according to Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge.
The Eagles enjoyed a successful first season under the tutelage of manager Patrick Vieira in 2021/22, and the astute tactician will be aiming to maintain his progress both on and off the pitch next term.
What is the latest news involving Palace?
According to The Sun, Vieira is planning to switch to a back five when the new Premier League season gets underway in August despite the triumph of his maiden campaign at the helm.
Palace almost exclusively played a back-four during the Frenchman’s opening 12 months at the helm, with 4-3-3 being the most popular setup.
The system saw the south London outfit pull off memorable victories over the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, but it seems as though Vieira is already prepared to move away from it.
First-choice centre-back’s Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen have previously played in a back three with previous sides Swansea City and Lyon, respectively.
Therefore, the transition could be a smooth one, providing more protection at the back for the capital club as they look to compete with their more affluent rivals.
What is the latest news involving Palace?
Bridge believes the potential change will delight certain sections of the Palace fanbase, although their ‘big issue’ remains replacing loanee Conor Gallagher.
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“I think Guehi and Andersen have played in a three at their previous clubs. Andersen did it at Lyon, so maybe he's looking at that as well; it gives them extra protection.
“I've not heard that, but if that is true, I'm sure that will excite some Palace fans, and of course, their big issue is really replacing their great loanee Conor Gallagher.”
Who could Palace sign?
Changing formation will require Vieira to bring in the right players, allowing him to implement his system successfully at Selhurst Park.
According to BBC Sport, the Palace hierarchy are considering moves for Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Lens midfielder Cheick Doucoure.
Wan-Bissaka moved from his boyhood club to Old Trafford in a £50 million in 2019 yet has fallen down the pecking order recently and could return on a temporary basis.
Doucoure, 22, is believed to have a £26m price tag, a figure that is currently proving to be a stumbling block for Palace and their relatively modest budget.
Bayern Munich’s Chris Richards is another played thought to be on Vieira’s radar as he steps up his efforts to strengthen his first-team squad.