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

Crystal Palace expected to sack Sage and appoint Thomas Frank, who would switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation to tighten defence.

Crystal Palace sit bottom of the Premier League after 10 games with just two wins, and are expected to part ways with manager Pierre Sage. The club is considering Thomas Frank as his replacement.

Frank, 53, has been out of management since leaving Tottenham in February after a difficult 18-month spell. His defensive, reactive approach failed at Spurs but could suit Palace's needs. The Eagles have conceded 24 goals—more than any other top-flight side—and are giving up 18.6 shots per game, the most in the division.

Frank would be expected to switch from Palace's current three-man backline to his preferred 4-2-3-1 setup, deploying a more compact defensive unit. This would allow Axel Disasi or Chris Richards to move to right-back alongside Tyrick Mitchell at left-back.

Jean-Philippe Mateta would serve as a physical focal point in attack, supported by a number 10 such as Yeremy Pino. The formation change would address Palace's weakness defending crosses and set pieces, an area opponents have repeatedly exploited this season.