Townsend eyes partnership with Zaha ahead of Ayew at Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace midfielder Andros Townsend believes it would serve better if he partners Wilfred Zaha ahead of other strikers including Jordan Ayew and Alexander Sorloth.

Palace have been struggling for goals this term, with Townsend fetching their first in four games against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday when he was used as a false nine. The England international claims they possess a real threat with him and Zaha up front.

Ayew, on the other hand, was brought on to replace Max Meyer in second half when coach Roy Hodgson switched to three forwards but the Ghanaian could do little against the Blues as he registered a single shot in the game.

“I feel like we trouble defences. Any time I have been given the opportunity to play up there, I have really enjoyed it. Maybe we are not the tallest, or the strongest, but I think we link-up well," Townsend told The Evening Standard.

"Hopefully, if we are given the nod again we can cause more trouble and score more goals.

“I have said we need to chip in with goals and hopefully I can score a few more,” he added.

Palace will welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Selhurst Park on Saturday in another London derby before the international break.