Verdict: Home win
Best Odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: bet365
A key relegation battle in the English Premier League will take place this Sunday at Selhurst Park. Crystal Palace will host Hull City in a game with big implications for both teams. A win could potentially move Hull City out of the relegation zone, but Palace could clinch their Premier League spot for another year with that same result.
Crystal Palace
It might be a too excesive to say Crystal Palace have their backs against the wall, but there is no question this is one of the biggest games they have played in recent years. With the relegation threat looming against their heads, Sam Allardyce needs to pick up a group of players that can put Palace out of the misery they have gone through in recent weeks. Let’s remember The Eagles are riding a three-game losing streak, and having a fourth consecutive defeat could even put them into the relegation group with only one game left in the schedule if some results do not go their way. The potential absences for this contest are not going to help their cause, but Palace needs to win at all costs if they don’t want to complicate their situation even further.
Team News
Palace could be seriously depleted ahead of this pivotal contest. Andros Townsend and Joel Ward are listed as doubtful, while Connor Wickham, Mamadou Sakho, and Pape Ndiaye Souare are out for the remainder of the season.
As if that was not enough, Jonathan Benteke, Scott Dann, and Yohan Cabaye will be game-time decisions. All three players will require a late-fitness test to determine their availability for this matchup.
Hull City
Crystal Palace might have struggled of late, but Hull have had a bad year all season long. And while a win could potentially move them out of the relegation zone, it does not depend on them. The Tigers are condemned to fight for their Premier League spot until the end of the season. And doing it away from home is only going to make things tougher for them, because Hull have not won in their past 17 matches on the road. They also have the worst defence in the Premier League with 69 goals allowed in 36 matches. It will require a massive effort for them to turn things around, and there is no question this is Hull’s biggest game in the last few seasons.
Team News
Hull will not be as depleted as Crystal Palace, but they will still have a fair share of absences. David Meyler, Lazar Markovic, William Keane, Moses Odubajo, and Ryan Mason are all out for the remainder of the season.
Meanwhile, Omar Elabdellaoui is doubtful. His availability will be determined after a late-fitness test on Sunday morning.
Key Factors to Consider
- Crystal Palace have lost their last three Premier League matches, and have not scored a single goal during that span.
- Palace have not won their past three matches against Hull City either, with 1D and 2L.
- Hull City have struggled away from home, since they have failed to win their last 17 away matches.
- Hull also have the worst defence in the Premier League, allowing 69 goals in 36 matches.
- Both clubs are among the worst-five defences in the EPL when it comes to goals conceded. Both have allowed over 60 goals.
Conclusion
Both teams need the three points. And even though Crystal Palace have been struggling of late, this seems like the perfect game to bounce back from their recent run of form. Hull will battle hard, but as it has been the case all season long, their defensive problems will hurt them once again.
Expect the Eagles to leave the three points at home, taking a huge step to avoid relegation to the English Championship.
Verdict: Home win
Best Odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: bet365
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