Two changes Frank will make at Crystal Palace – with four players set to benefit

Crystal Palace are expected to sack Pierre Sage. While many will have wanted the Frenchman to succeed at Selhurst Park, it is difficult to overlook their disastrous start to the Premier League season. The Eagles are bottom of the table after 10 games. Two wins in that run does not make for great reading, particularly as one of those – a 3-1 home triumph over Nottingham Forest – they arguably deserved to lose. As such, it is back to the drawing board for the south London side, who need to get the next appointment right if they are to stave off the drop. Given the competitive nature of the Premier League, a relegation scrap cannot be ruled out, even at this stage in the season. And while he may not be high on fans’ wish list, Thomas Frank could be the man to deliver top-flight safety at the very least. Why Thomas Frank? The Dane’s stock plummeted following his stint at Tottenham Hotspur. Frank replaced Ange Postecoglou 18 months ago, and it proved a decision that almost cost Spurs their top-flight status. In the time since his February departure, Frank has been out of the game entirely bar the odd punditry appearance with the BBC during the 2026 World Cup and again on Match of the Day. The 53-year-old is now tipped to take the reins of his third London club, and in truth, it is an appointment that may suit Palace. The issue with Sage was that he sought to implement a more dominant approach at Selhurst Park, but that does not suit this Palace side, who are better equipped as a reactive football team.This is where Frank failed at Spurs. Implementing a negative approach for a club that is largely renowned for playing forward-thinking, free-flowing attacking football was never going to work, with Frank the antithesis of Postecoglou. The post-Oliver Glasner era at Selhurst Park isn’t going to plan (Photo: REUTERS) But this style will be a better fit for the Eagles. Palace are a team that seek to dig in and make things difficult for opponents, although they have done anything but in the Premier League this season. They are giving up 18.6 shots per game, which ranks top in the division. They have conceded at least four more goals (24) than any other team in England’s top tier, while the 13 home goals shipped is the most in the league. Frank will at least knuckle the team down. They will be able to soak up pressure better than they do now, which is the primary port of call for the incoming manager. Formation While Sage and predecessor Oliver Glasner favour a three-man backline, Frank prefers a 4-2-3-1 setup. He has previously used a three-at-the-back system, but the 53-year-old would be expected to switch to his tried-and-tested formation. It’s a go-to that would be a change from the norm, but would add some much-needed defensive resolve, especially at the back posts. One of Palace’s weaknesses this season has been defending crosses, particular balls floated deep. Opponents have so often been left unmarked in these areas, which has increased pressure on the Palace goal. Archie Gray’s header in Palace’s 2-0 defeat at Spurs last month was a case in point. Admittedly, the Eagles had been reduced to 10 men by this stage, but even so, Gray was presented with an easy header to put Spurs in front as Roberto De Zerbi’s men exploited a defensive shortcoming. Frank’s move to 4-2-3-1 would at least allow for a more compact, defensive unit, with Axel Disasi or Chris Richards moving across to right-back. By using Tyrick Mitchell at left-back, the backline would be a touch lopsided, but then Mitchell is a full-back well versed in the defensive demands. The squad is able to operate in such a system, even if a three-man backline has been drilled into them, so Frank would feel confident about implementing a change. Who would benefit from Frank’s appointment? Adam Wharton is a prime example of a Palace player needing a lift (Photo: Getty) A key aspect of Frank’s system is the deployment of a physical, focal point to the attack. Jean-Philippe Mateta, once he returns from a ban, is a fine fit for the 4-2-3-1. The Frenchman would need to be supported by a No 10 that would operate close to Mateta, in this instance Yeremy Pino, but the performances of Ivan Toney and then Yoane Wissa under Frank at Brentford highlight the effectiveness of an imposing hitman. And Mateta is not the only forward who would benefit under Frank. The Dane needs nippy wingers willing to beat a man and put the ball into the box. Dwight McNeil and Ismaila Sarr have both found playing time hard to come by for Palace this season. The former is not being used in his favoured wide role, while the latter, who was heavily linked with a summer move to Liverpool, has been routinely overlooked by Sage. The duo would enjoy leases of life under Frank. Read more Pete Hall: Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s treatment of Michael Carrick is shameful Mark Douglas: Arsenal join Liverpool and Chelsea in race for Alex Scott Finally, a system that relies on disciplined positional double pivot would help Adam Wharton flourish. It is fair to say that Wharton has struggled to match standards set in previous seasons, but a structured foundation would benefit him and his distribution. Frank needs a midfielder to launch balls to the flanks. As such, a player to ease the defensive burden on the 22-year-old would enable Wharton to capitalise upon his range of passing. Frank’s reputation may have taken a huge hit at Spurs. In truth, the club were trying to cram a square peg into a round hole, but with a more reactive team, his approach could enable the Eagles to take flight.