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Crystal Palace press conference LIVE: Roy Hodgson on Zaha, Benteke & Manchester United
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Stay tuned on VAVEL.com for more reaction from Roy Hodgson's pre-Manchester United press conference.
On the recent style of play
"We haven't had enough shots at goal and created enough chances; we are aware of that."
On the contracts
"If you wanted a real sign of what is going to happen to Gary Cahill, you have to address that question to the people who run the club."
"All I can say is I am more than happy to continue working with these guys."
Hodgson's future
"Well, once again. I don't really want to think about that too much. There is a lot for me to look forward to for the rest of the season."
"I am afraid I will keep ducking the question, so you can allow me to continue to enjoying life.
On James McArthur
Hodgson confirmed that James McArthur might not be back before the international break.
On United
"We are aware we are playing a team that hasn't lost away in 20 games."
"All we can do is to make certain we get our act together, prepare for the game in the best possible way, to make certain, when we do get the ball back, hurt them on the counter."
On Gary Cahill
"He's in excellent form. Gary is doing a fantastic job, especially in the last two games; he's been a real hero for us back there."
"We are delighted with Gary, and so delighted to see him enjoying his football so much."
"At the moment, I don't believe a younger player could do any better than he has done in our last two games."
On Nathan Ferguson
Hodgson confirms that he took part in training on Monday, but will be with the U 23's to help with his fight back from fitness.
On good news
"It's partly because we haven't done well enough, and its also a credit to Brighton and Fulham for the way they pressed."
I'm pretty optimistic that we've got more than enough to finish the season and see us into that ninth consecutive season in the Premier League."
On tommorow
"Yes. In fact, I think that Jeff and Connor will be available for tomorrow."
"James McCarthy is back, which is good."
On Zaha
"It's quite good news. He has returned to training, all be it modified. We will have to wait for the green light from the doctor and medical staff.
"I am also very pleased that Jeff Schlupp and Connor Wickham have returned."
Roy Hodgson has arrived!
The Palace boss has sat down to face questions from the broadcast section first.
Palace last time out
13:15 start
Roy Hodgson's press conference is due to start at 13:15. Stay tuned on VAVEL.com for live updates of the broadcast section.
Furthermore, there will be additional coverage following the press conference at 22:30 tonight.
Benteke, Mateta and Batshuayi; the conundrum
Benteke did the arduous defensive duties well against Fulham on Sunday according to Hodgson, and with the free flowing, ferocious Manchester United side pulling up to Selhurst Park tomorrow evening, it is possible that Benteke will be given the starting role once again.
However, Batshuayi and Mateta offer a different option – something Hodgson has not always been blessed with during his time at the club.
An update on Zaha
Whilst the Eagles have found a way to stand tall without the crux of their side, Zaha is still an irreplaceable foundation of the team.
He is in light training, but unlikely to feature against his old side on Wednesday.
Roy Hodgson will provide an update on his progress.
A barrage of games
The dilapidated Eagles’ squad is in desperate need of some respite.
If having the oldest squad in the Premier League was enough of a challenge already, Hodgson will have to assemble a squad which is battered and bruised from two outstanding defensive displays.
However, with Wilfried Zaha, Nathan Ferguson, James McArthur, Nathaniel Clyne, James Tomkins and Mamadou Sakho all injured, Hodgson has slim pickings at his disposal.
A team crying out forcreativity
After a heroic 2-1 smash and grab away to rivals, Brighton & Hove Albion, Sunday’s performance against Fulham curbed the enthusiasm.
Zero shots on target with zero attacking authority, made it a frustrating watch for the Eagles’ faithful.
However, to caveat that, Roy Hodgson pointed out that considering the south Londoners were up against a Fulham side overflowing with verve and vigour, the point was a resilient display from his side.
Welcome!
Hello, and welcome to Roy Hodgson’s pre-Manchester United press conference.
VAVEL UK will have the full coverage of the broadcast section of the press conference.