Talking Tactics: How Crystal Palace can stop the rot

Crystal Palace go into the biggest game of their season so far desperately needing a win. 

The Eagles face rivals Brighton tonight at a time when they have gone six matches without victory. 

But the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool and dramatic 2-2 draw with Manchester City in recent weeks will provide Roy Hodgson with some hope. 

We look at the measures that must be taken by the Palace boss to stop the rot. 

Hodgson pressure

Palace are currently 15th in the Premier League, eight points clear of the relegation zone. 

And while there is no immediate need for panic, the poor run of form for Hodgson's side is a concern, particularly at home. 

Palace fans have not seen a victory at Selhurst Park since they beat Wolves in September. 

Since then, they have had two goalless draws and lost each of their last four. 

It is the sort of run that sees managers sacked. Hodgson, 76, looks set to leave the club at the end of the season but could depart sooner if results do not turn around. 

Formation shift

Though Palace have only picked up a point in their last two games, they were impressive as they narrowly lost to Liverpool and then fought back to draw 2-2 at Manchester City. 

In the latter game, Hodgson opted for a 5-4-1 formation, partly to nullify the Premier League champions' attacking threat, but also because of a long list of injuries.

Palace played direct balls from defence to their forwards, relying on the pace of Jean-Philippe Mateta, Michael Olise and Jeffrey Schlupp to cause problems on the break. 

While there is an argument to retain that strategy against a Brighton side that can dominate possession, they are likely to field a more adventurous formation for this clash. 

Defender Joel Ward was injured against Manchester City, while Hodgson's attacking options have been boosted by the availability of Jordan Ayew and Eberechi Eze. 

Eze decision

The potential return of Eze could give Palace a fresh impetus to turn around their poor form. 

In his pre-match press conference, Hodgson spoke about the condition of the England international, who briefly appeared as a substitute against City. 

He said: "Eberechi Eze is coming on very well. He is on the cusp really and it's a decision we will have to make over the course of the next few hours." 

The playmaker can inject some much-needed flair and imagination into Hodgson's hard-working side. 

Palace have only won four games this season, with Eze featuring in all of them. 

Give youth a chance

Hodgson is a conservative manager and is always likelier to stick with senior professionals than take a chance on youngsters. 

Selection issues have forced his hand and the 18-year-old midfielder David Ozoh and 19-year-old Brazilian forward Matheus Franca both impressed in their cameos against City. 

While neither are likely to start against Brighton, they have done enough to deserve further opportunities from the bench. 

There are high hopes for Franca in particular, with Palace's forward line suffering since the loss of star player Wilfried Zaha over the summer. 

Hodgson's success may have been built upon conservatism — but at this stage of his career, and with injuries hitting hard, he has little to lose from gambling on youth.