Crystal Palace danger men represent main challenge ahead of FA Cup fifth round, saysNick Hughes

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Yannick Bolasie has proved a thorn in Liverpool’s side in each fixture with Crystal Palacesince 2013/14 with an assist every game.

The 25-year-old, who recently returned from international with the Democratic Republicof Congo after finishing third in the Africa Cup of Nations, plays predominantly on the left-wing but has

been used on the right when brought off the bench as recently as midweek againstNewcastle.

Bolasie usually staying on the wing and rarely comes inside, choosing to instead sendcrosses in for forwards, Frazier Campbell, Marouane Chamakh and Dwight Gayle toconvert.

 

Scouting Report: Liverpool FC must beware Bolasie and Gayle threat

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Crystal Palace's Dwight Gayle and Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho (right) battle for the ball

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Against the Reds, Bolasie has one assist in every game creating at least two chances forhis teammates when he has lined up opposite Javier Manquillo this season and GlenJohnson last year.

In Palace’s 3-1 home win in November, Bolasie had one of best games with 81% passaccuracy, creating three chances including an assist for Gayle when his shot rebounded offthe post for the forward to convert.

The winger attempted five crosses with only one successful while his runs at the Liverpooldefenceproved less successful, losing possession all four times.

In previous fixtures, Bolasie has been more successful when taking on defenders,attempting 11 in the 3-3 draw – winning eight with four of those against Glen Johnson –and three in their 3-1 loss at Anfield in October 2013 where he won two.

Bolasie will provide danger with his crossing, however against the Reds, he has attempted18 crosses in total with only two finding a team mate, an accuracy of just 11%.

While the winger poses a challenge in attack, he gives his team valuable cover in defencewith interceptions and clearances, making eight defensive actions against Liverpool in thethree matches

in the league with four clearances and four interceptions.

Palace’s winger is not a stranger to getting stuck in committing four fouls againstLiverpool, at least one per game, but due to his direct running has also drawn challenges.

Bolasie’s passing, while accurate, is often short to medium length in range and averages17 metres per pass while long distance passes often do not meet the target.

The wideman will cut inside to shoot at the target with 45 attempts this season, resultingin one goal scored and an accuracy of 34%.

Yannick Bolasie: Stats guide via SquawkaProvided assist for Gayle’s first goal in 3-3 draw

Assist in 3-1 win at Selhurst Park this season for Gayle – shot came off the post - andcross for Ledley goal

Returned to squad from the bench on Wednesday with an assist for Frazier Campbell’sgoal

In 21 PL games, he has scored one goal and 4 assists with 45 shots

Predominantly used as a left midfielder/winger and played there in all games againstLiverpool but has featured on the right when used as a sub

Home game v Liverpool in 2014/15 (3-1)

Pass Accuracy: 81% Shot Accuracy: 33%; Chances Created: 3 (1 assist); Defensive Actions: 3(1 clearance; 2 interceptions) Average Pass Length: 15m Takes Ons: 4 all failed Fouls: 3 (2

committed; 1 drawn) Crosses: 5 (1 successful)

Home game v Liverpool in 2013/14 (3-3)

Pass Accuracy: 68% Shot Accuracy: 0% (none taken) Chances Created: 2 (1 assist)Defensive Actions: 4 (2 clearance; 2 interceptions) Average Pass Length: 20m Takes Ons:11 – 8 successful (4 against G Johnson) Fouls: 1 (1 committed); Crosses: 11 (1 successful)

Dwight Gayle scores a third of his league goals againstthe Reds

Dwight Gayle has a knack of scoring against Liverpool, netting four times in three games.That’s a third of all the league goals he has scored for Palace.

The 25-year-old signing from Peterborough has scored five goals in 18 leagueappearances – nine from the bench – this season as Palace look to move away from therelegation zone under new boss, and former player, Alan Pardew.

The forward’s shooting this season has been above average, achieving 60% accuracy from23 attempts with nine on-target, eight blocked and six off-target and makes Gayle the24th ranked forward in the league for accuracy.

The majority of Gayle’s efforts on goal come from inside the box with 20 of his 23attempts made within the opposition’s area compared to last season where his shots atgoal were split 50/50 between inside and outside the area.

Gayle has had some of his best performances against the Reds scoring in every game and

Football - Crystal Palace v Liverpool - Barclays Premier League - Selhurst Park - 5/5/14 Dwight Gaylecelebrates scoring the second goal for Crystal Palace Credit: Action Images / John Sibley

proving a challenge throughout the match.

In November’s encounter, Gayle had his most complete performance scoring one whileachieving a shot accuracy of 100% and winning 33% of his aerial challenges against DejanLovren and Martin Skrtel.

In last season’s two meetings, he scored three goals – two in their comeback from 3-0down to level 3-3 in the dying minutes, a result which proved a fatal blow to Liverpool’stitle hopes.

Gayle played for only 26 minutes but achieved a shot accuracy of 67% and pass accuracyof 67%

In his three appearances against Liverpool, Gayle has averaged 72% shot accuracy fromeight attempts in the 161 minutes he has been on the field.

He has mainly chosen a pass or shoot style of play and attempted only one take-on in histhree meetings against the Reds’ which ended unsuccessfully to Mamadou Sakho.

Despite his strong form against Brendan Rodgers’ side, Gayle will face a differentchallenge than in previous meetings with the Reds operating a three-man defence.

Dwight Gayle: Stats guide via Squawka):Home Game v Liverpool in 2014/15 (3-1)

Pass Accuracy: 68% Shot Accuracy: 100% Chances Created: 0 Defensive Actions: 1 (1interceptions) Average Pass Length: 10m Takes Ons: 0 Fouls: 2 (1 committed; 1 drawn)Shots: 3 (1 goal) Aerial Duels: 33% won (1 against Lovren & 1 against Skrtel)

Home Game v Liverpool in 2013/14 (3-3)

Pass Accuracy: 67% Shot Accuracy: 66% Chances Created: 0 Defensive Actions: 0 AveragePass Length: 10m Takes Ons: 0 Fouls: 1 (1 committed) Shots: 3 (2 goal) Aerial Duels: 0%won (1 against Lucas & 1 against Skrtel) Crosses: 3 all failed

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