Crystal Palace’s revival under Roy Hodgson looks to be a gift to Draft Fantasy managers.

Saturday’s 3-0 win at Leicester City delivered a seventh match unbeaten – a club first in the Premier League – and number of players are emerging as candidates who could challenge for spots in even the most competitive of Draft Fantasy squads.

Wilfried’s on fire

Wilfried Zaha is the obvious choice when it comes to Draft Fantasy football and, quite incredibly, you may still be able to pick him up at this stage. He is only owned in 39.1% of leagues.

The Ivorian international has claimed 20 points in his last three game weeks, thanks to one goal and two assists, with his 11-point haul on the weekend representing his best efforts of the season.

With Palace improving, and Zaha becoming increasingly integral to the club’s fortunes in attack, the winger is an excellent option as we head into the busy festive period.

Sako’s value against Swansea

Christian Benteke may have ended a run of 1106 minutes and 28 shots without a goal in the Premier League against Leicester City on Saturday, but the Belgian striker will now sit out against Swansea due to suspension.

In his absence, Bakary Sako is likely to start up front for Hodgson’s side. The Mali international has two goals in his last two appearances, despite only playing 22 minutes, and it would only be logical to see this form rewarded with a spot in the Eagles’ first-XI.

Having appeared as a substitute against both Watford and Leicester, he proved his ability to find the back of the net has not diminished. His finish against the Foxes was the pick of the pair – a beautifully placed strike into the top left-hand corner of the net to complete an excellent counter attacking move.

Just 0.1% owned, if you are needing a striker in your side ahead of Game Week 19, Sako could prove a useful option, particularly against a struggling Swansea side.

Caution advised

Hodgson’s arrival may have inspired a change in fortunes at Selhurst Park, but the Christmas period is set to throw up a number of tricky fixtures – these could quite easily derail the club’s charge for safety.

With ties against Arsenal, Manchester City and Burnley to look forward to in the next fortnight, Palace fans could be forgiven for not thinking they are not out of the woods just yet.

The one factor that could prove key for Hodgson’s men during this busy spell, is the fact the Eagles face each of these sides at home. Selhurst Park remains a menacing place to visit and the proverbial 12th man could prove critical.