Crystal Palace to play friendly this week in desperate bid to rebuild players’ confidence… against Bromley
No points, no goals... can Roy Hodgson's strugglers get to grips with the Ravens from the National League?
CRYSTAL PALACE have come up with an ingenious plan to beat Manchester United.
The rock-bottom Eagles will play non-league Bromley in a warm-up friendly to prepare for Saturday's daunting trip to Old Trafford.
Roy Hodgson's men are pointless and goalless after six straight Premier League losses. They also boast a goal difference of -13.
So they will face the Ravens from the National League side in a behind-closed-doors friendly in a desperate attempt to rebuild shattered confidence.
Fresh from his side's 5-0 hammering at Manchester City, Hodgson will use the workout to try and work on his tactics and formation ahead of taking on unbeaten United.
Their shocking start to the season is the worst in Premier League history.
Frank de Boer was sacked after just four games and Hodgson has so far failed to beat Southampton and City.
Next up after United are defending champions Chelsea.
So the likelihood is that poor Palace will still be pointless after eight matches.
Hodgson built his international reputation by working on consistent team shape and making his teams hard to beat.