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With Wilfried Zaha suspended for Crystal Palace’s FA Cup clash with Doncaster Rovers this weekend, Roy Hodgson will likely call on Bakary Sako to take his place on the flank for the Eagles.

Sako re-signed for Palace in the recent January transfer window - marking his second spell with the south London club. He has only made one appearance since his return to Selhurst Park though, making a very brief Premier League cameo from the bench against Fulham.

Given Zaha’s huge importance to Hodgson’s side, Sako will have some big boots to fill this weekend. However, if the 30-year-old is to prove his worth to Palace then he must capitalise on this opportunity.

A good run in the FA Cup would be a major boost to Palace’s campaign, and the 21-cap Mali international could make a positive contribution to that cause on Sunday. 

Sako certainly has the pace and dynamism to hurt Doncaster, and against lower league opposition he ought to be able to find some end product too if given the chance. Failure to impress would cast serious doubts on his ability to contribute for Palace this season.