Roy Hodgson’s Questionable Decisions Pose Unnecessary Risks for Crystal Palace Ahead of Bournemouth Clash

Under the critical gaze of Crystal Palace fans, Roy Hodgson is facing heightened scrutiny due to dissatisfaction with the team’s performances, results, and player selections at Selhurst Park.

While Crystal Palace currently avoids immediate relegation danger, the absence of exciting or ambitious football is evident. The team has secured just one victory in the last seven attempts, raising concerns among supporters. A rough patch might be acceptable if it signaled a broader strategy of integrating new or younger players or developing a distinct playing style. However, the current struggles seem devoid of any apparent long-term purpose.Hodgson’s decisions, such as sidelining promising talents like Naouirou Ahamada in favor of underperforming stars like Will Hughes, have not resonated well with the fan base. Additionally, there’s a detrimental aspect to this approach by the 76-year-old mentor.

As Crystal Palace faces AFC Bournemouth tonight, the team grapples with various injury issues, including the absence of key players Eberechi Eze and Cheick Doucoure, heightening the risk of further setbacks.In the midst of a demanding Christmas schedule where rotation is crucial, Hodgson opted to use only two of his five possible substitutions against West Ham on Sunday. Jairo Riedewald and Jean-Philippe Mateta replaced Hughes and Odsonne Edouard, while talents like Ahamada and summer signing Matheus Franca remained unused substitutes. This decision has spawned two adverse consequences: the starting lineup endured full 90-minute matches amidst a busy schedule, and fringe players were denied opportunities to enhance their match fitness.