I MIGHT HAVE TO PLAY 4-6-0
ROY HODGSON admits he is running out of strikers as he battles to keep Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Misfiring forward Christian Benteke is a doubt for tomorrow’s trip to Bournemouth after limping out of training.
Struggling Benteke has scored just twice this season and blew two clear opportunities in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat by Liverpool.
The 27-year-old Belgian has now missed 20 out of 22 chances this term, more than any other top-flight player.
And boss Hodgson said: “I heard someone on the TV say they can’t understand why Benteke is still playing... why don’t I give him a rest and perhaps it will be good for him to come out of the team.
“Well, yeah, it might be – but who do I put in? We have to play with someone up front.
“I haven’t really got round to Malcolm Allison’s way of thinking many years ago of playing a 4-6-0, but maybe we will have to.”
The Eagles already had eight players sidelined – more than any other Premier League club – before Benteke reported a groin problem yesterday.
Hodgson said: “Benteke limped off the training field feeling his groin, so we won’t know how well he is until he comes in again to be assessed.
“Nobody is coming back, so the squad could be even thinner if Benteke doesn’t make it.”
With January signing Alexander Sorloth, the Norway centreforward, among those missing with a hamstring problem, Wilfried Zaha may be pressed into service as an emergency striker.
In contrast, Bournemouth are experts at scoring late goals and boast a league-high 17 points gained from losing positions.
Hodgson said: “I’m well aware of Bournemouth’s capabilities and our players are too. We will be very, very attentive to make sure they don’t do it against us.”