Crystal Palace sit rock bottom of the Premier League after a dreadful start to life under Pierre Sage in 2026/27.
The Frenchman has picked up just 7 points from a potential 30 in the Premier League, and it’s understood that after 16 games in charge in all competitions, the Eagles are now set to part ways with him during the international break as they look to get their campaign back on track.
Sage was brought in to replace Oliver Glasner in the summer, who departed at the end of his contract and took over at Nottingham Forest, with many believing that the fact he used a similar system to the Austrian would help him bed in more easily. That hasn’t been the case though, and Palace now face a fight to stay in the division.
Among the contenders to replace him is Sean Dyche, who has developed a reputation for being a coach who can avoid relegation by playing safety-first football. The hard-nosed former Burnley boss is one of the top candidates according to reports, but what would a Palace side managed by him look like? GIVEMESPORT has taken a look…
Key Events Timeline
- Spring 2026 — Sage won the Coupe de France with Lens and was named Ligue 1’s best manager.
- June 2026 — Crystal Palace parted company with manager Oliver Glasner after his trophy-laden spell.
- June 2026 — Sage left Lens and signed a three-year contract as Palace manager.
- October 2026 — Palace lost at Sage’s former club Lyon in the Europa League league phase.
- November 2026 — Liverpool won 3-1 at Selhurst Park, a fourth straight defeat leaving Palace bottom.
Stick or Twist With Back 5?
Palace are coming off the back of two of their best-ever seasons, winning the FA Cup in 2024/2025 before lifting the Community Shield and Conference League in the 2025/26 season.
Those successes were built on Glasner’s 3-4-3 system, which would transition to a back five out of possession and make them incredibly hard to beat. Sage has tried to continue with that but with the squad being ripped up, and him not being as good, has meant the results haven’t continued.
Dyche would likely come in and immediately switch to his more favoured 4-4-2 system, which would mean at least one defender dropping out of the side.
Dean Henderson would undoubtedly keep his place in goal as the best goalkeeper at the club and the captain, while Tyrick Mitchell and Chris Richards would likely continue as first-choice options and left-back and centre-back. But alongside them, Dyche is likely to go with the experience of Axel Disasi in the middle, while a physical profile like Oscar Mingueza is likely to be picked at right-back.
That means there is no space for the likes of Jaydee Canvot, Ben Chilwell, or Anan Khalaili, although the latter could also play in midfield.
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Dwight McNeil To The Rescue?
The midfield is a bit more difficult to predict because there is an abundance of talent to choose from. One thing is for sure though, and that’s that Adam Wharton will be the first name on the team sheet in that area of the pitch.
Alongside him, Netherlands international Quentin Timber has been a decent signing but the performances of the team have seen him struggle on occasion, but in a more structure setup he could shine, and he compliments Wharton well, while also having the attributes to work in a Dyche team.
Out wide, Dwight McNeil is someone who will obviously benefit from Dyche’s arrival. McNeil worked under him at Burnley and Everton previously and was a key player, with his work rate something often praised. He would likely take up the spot on the left, in order to provide width and a goal threat.
But on the right, Dyche is likely to go with something a little bit different to provide more stability, and that could see Daichi Kamada moved out wide in a narrower role. The Japan international would offer more control in possession and some creativity, but he’s also got the work rate and defensive nous to do what Dyche wants his teams to do.
Strand Larsen and Nketiah Out
Crystal Palace need goals, and there’s no doubting that their two biggest sources for that are Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr.
Neither have been available much this season, and when they have been they’ve not been the most impressive. But their quality is undeniable and if Dyche can get them close to each other on the pitch and back on form, then Palace will be just fine.
That means Jorgen Strand Larsen and Eddie Nketiah are likely to have to make do with a place on the bench, but their profiles mean they would be easy to bring in if needs be, rather than being completely isolated from the squad.
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