£1.3m-rated "fighter" starts, Vieira axes "energetic" star: Predicted CPFC XI today - opinion

Crystal Palace will return to Premier League action today as they travel to the East Midlands to face Leicester City who could be feeling tired following a European game on Thursday.

They’ll be hoping to build on last weeks dominant display against Arsenal where they came away 3-0 winners. Whilst you might not think a performance like this warrants any changes, we expect Patrick Vieira to make one change to his side starting at the King Power Stadium.

This is how Football FanCast expects the Eagles to line up:

Before the game, Vieira confirmed that winger Michael Olise was still injured and would miss the trip to Leicester. As he is not available for selection, the front four that played in the game against Arsenal is likely to remain the same.

As for the back four, it would be unlikely for the manager to change this as it has proved solid for most of the season. The Eagles haven’t conceded a goal in the Premier League in the last four games.

The one change we think Vieira will make is in midfield where he could bring James McArthur in to sit alongside Cheikhou Kouyaté. He came on against Arsenal for his first game back after an injury and will be looking to start ahead of the “energetic” Jeffrey Schlupp.

The Scotsman’s manager has heaped praise on the £1.3m-rated general in the past, describing him as a “fighter” and a “benchmark professional”.

Vieira will no doubt be delighted with the 34-year olds return heading into the business end of the season where his leadership in the dressing room and on the pitch could prove “valuable”.

When it comes to his stats compared to Schlupp, defensively he prevails in a number of key areas. McArthur has made 25 interceptions this season compared to his 17 and also has a higher