Prediction: Crystal Palace vs Brentford

Verdict: Crystal Palace win

Best odds: 2.29

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Crystal Palace and Brentford will try to end their disappointing streak of games displayed in recent times with a win at Selhurst Park. The London sides cannot afford further missteps that could bring them closer to the relegation zone.

Crystal Palace

Given the value of the squad from Selhurst Park, it is hard to explain the poor form of the home side in this first part of the season. However, we can say that frequent and repeated injuries within the team would be a valid reason why Roy Hodgson’s side is now just 3 points closer to relegation. The experienced English manager failed to pull the team out of this fall that began in mid-September. With only 2 wins in the last 3 months, the legendary manager’s chair is in jeopardy. Although a surprising draw at champions Manchester City should have boosted the team’s morale, the Eagles disappointed again in the following matches against Brighton and Chelsea.

Despite taking the lead just before half-time, the home side’s defence could not cope with the pressure exerted by Brighton who managed to equalise late in the game. History repeated itself at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea believe paid off at the end of the match. The Blues scored the winning goal (2-1), thus inflicting Palace’s 9th defeat of the season in the Premier League. Despite the injury crisis, the home side desperately needs a win in front of their supporters who are looking to have a better end to the winter holidays.

Team News

Although the injury crisis has eased, Palace still cannot line up their best starting formation for the game against Brentford. Cheick Doucoure is still on the sidelines working hard in the recovery room following his terrible Achilles tendon injury. Odson Edouard had another setback in mid-December after a knee injury sustained in Etihad’s game against Manchester City.

Rob Holding (ankle), Sam Johnstone (calf), Rak-Sakyi (thigh) and Joel Ward (thigh) are also working hard in the recovery room to get back on the training ground.

Brentford

Brentford are having a strange season, going from unbeaten game streaks to consecutive matches without a win. The lack of consistency in results coupled with persistent injuries within the team took Thomas Franck’s side close to the red zone of the table. The visitors are one point over the hosts, having also one game in hand. The Bees have forgotten to sting recently, displaying an extremely poor run in the last 2 months. The home win against Luton (3-1) was the only positive result in the last 8 weeks in which Brentford suffered another 6 defeats. Although they had a relatively easy schedule in December, Thomas Franck’s players have lost the last 4 games played in the Premier League. This negative streak of results took the team into a dangerous zone, just 4 points above relegation.

Brentford’s latest results are a cause for major concern for their supporters who witnessed a slaughter at the Gtech Community Stadium inflicted by the Wolves. The absences in the hosts’ squad are felt both in attack where the hosts have scored only 3 goals in the last 4 games, but also in defence (9 goals conceded in these games). The visitors don’t fancy playing on the road pulling only 2 wins so far: 3-0 at Fulham and 2-0 at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea.

Team News

Mbeumo’s absence had the biggest impact on the squad’s performance. The talented Cameroonian striker was out in the last 3 games, which was felt on the scoreboard. Kristoffer Ajer did not play a game in December, having been unavailable due to an ankle injury suffered against Luton.

It remains to be seen whether prolific striker Ivan Tooney will ever play for Brentford again. The English ace can return to action from January 17, at the end of his suspension period caused by breaching sports betting rules. Although Thomas Franck desperately needs his services, Arsenal have entered the race determined to buy him during this winter’s transfer window.

Key factors to consider

• Crystal Palace are in a free fall, failing to win a single match since 4th November (0-2 at Burnley).
• Roy Hodgson is under enormous pressure to get Palace back on track. Rumours of him being sacked are beginning to surface in the media.
• The Eagles failed to win against Brentford.
• Brentford lost all of their last 4 competitive matches.
• Thomas Franck’s side won only 2 games played away in this season of the Premier League.

Conclusion

A steady match between two out-of-form teams will be played at Selhurst Park. The absence of key players from both sides will surely take its toll on the quality of the game. However, Roy Hodgson’s experience can lead his team towards a much-needed win.

Verdict: Crystal Palace win

Best odds: 2.29

Bookmaker: ZetBet