Palace boss Hodgson: No need for ‘experimental activity’ in remaining Premier League games

Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson admitted he will not be experimenting with his starting line-ups in the remaining three fixtures of the season.

The Eagles secured their 11th consecutive season in the Premier League on Monday.

Hodgson rotated his side for the midweek clash against Wolves after the goalless draw with Everton, bringing Chris Richards, Will Hughes, Luka Milivojevic and Albert Sambi Lokonga into the side.

Jeffrey Schlupp, who has started six of the seven outings since Hodgson returned to Selhurst Park, is a doubt for tomorrow’s game against Bournemouth.

“No,” said Hodgson, when asked fringe players might be given a chance now the club have secured their Premier League safety.

“They would have to be in the team because I think that they’re better than the ones who have been playing. 

“There is no intention for us to use these last three games as some sort of experimental activity – there is no need to do that.

“We know how good Chris Richards and Naouirou Ahamada are.

“We know what Albert Sambi Lokonga can do. It’s not a question of that we have got to test these guys out.

“They don’t need testing out – they’re good enough to play in the team. I wouldn’t be fearful or concerned if a case arose where they would like to play and I put them in -that will be fine.

“But I don’t intend suddenly to remove people who are playing, playing well, happy to be playing and believing they should be playing.

“I’m not prepared to take them out to experimentally give someone else a go.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD