Dougie Freedman

“Resisting calls from fans to revert to a 4-4-2 formation Freedman has stuck with his fluid 4-2-3-1 with Martin sitting just behind Easter, working in the space afforded by the Welshman’s smart movement”

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Saturday’s 4-0 victory over Watford provided welcome relief for Crystal Palace fans, finally the thumping victory we had been threatening to deliver for weeks, and more importantly a sense that Dougie Freedman has finally solved some of the tricky selection dilemmas facing the side.

First up is the strike partnership of Easter and Martin. Having gone 18 games without scoring more than one goal in a match, Palace have banged in six in their last two games, thanks in no small part to the understanding between the two frontmen. Resisting calls from fans to revert to a 4-4-2 formation Freedman has stuck with his fluid 4-2-3-1 with Martin sitting just behind Easter, working in the space afforded by the Welshman’s smart movement.

This blossoming partnership has unfortunately left Glenn Murray stranded on the bench. The former-Brighton striker had looked very impressive earlier in the season, holding up play well and offering a threat in the air that Easter couldn’t match. However as the season has progressed the target-man has proved less effective and Easter’s darting runs and link-up play with Martin look a more potent tool against Championship defences. When Palace resort to playing one up front Murray will surely be the choice, but as long as Martin is in the side, Easter will remain the striker of choice.

The second selection dilemma that Freedman seems to have decided upon is in the centre of midfield, Mile Jedinak and KG once again starting in the middle on Saturday. At the start of the season plenty held reservations around Jedinak, but he has arguably been the Eagles most consistent performer since the turn of the year. KG on the other hand is yet to fully convince for many of the Palace faithful. Jedinak provides enough of a barrier for the defence, that a second defensive midfielder is unnecessary, and KG’s attacking threat and passing in the final third are often found wanting. He silenced many with his goal against Watford, but it will be interesting to see how Dougie acts once Johnny Williams returns to full fitness

Along with the return of Williams, Freedman will also be able to welcome back Dean Moxey shortly providing another selection headache. After Saturday’s victory, Eagles supporters will be cautiously optimistic that the manager can solve these dilemmas.