Loic Remy finally set for Crystal Palace debut as Sam Allardyce promises wholesale changes in FA Cup tie

Fit to feature: Loic Remy is yet to make an appearance for Palace
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Giuseppe Muro6 January 2017

Loic Remy could finally make his debut for Crystal Palace at Bolton tomorrow.

The striker has not played for Palace since signing on loan from Chelsea because of injury problems.

Palace have been handed another huge fitness boost ahead of the clash after chairman Steve Parish revealed that Christian Benteke’s shoulder injury “isn’t as bad as first feared”.

New Palace boss Sam Allardyce has said he will make “wholesale changes” for the third-round tie, with Premier League survival the priority for his side. However, the lack of alternative options in the Palace squad highlights why Allardyce wants to strengthen in this month’s transfer window.

Julian Speroni could start in goal and the 37-year-old will break the record of 388 appearances as a goalkeeper for Palace if he does play.

Fraizer Campbell and Lee Chung-yong are among the players likely to come in, while Sullay Kaikai could feature after being recalled from his loan spell at Brentford.

Wilfried Zaha is missing after he joined up with the Ivory Coast ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.

In Pictures | Crystal Palace vs Swansea | 03/01/2017

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“It [the FA Cup] is not the priority for us,” said Allardyce. “Our priority — and this is not me, this is the club and the chairman saying our priority and why I have been brought here — is to stay in the Premier League.

“So with injuries, players going to the Africa Cup of Nations and fatigue, there will be a lot of changes. We will make wholesale changes.

“The good thing is players who have not played that much will get an opportunity.”

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