Prediction: Draw
Odds:11/5
Bookmaker: Bet365
Crystal Palace will hope to recover from consecutive league defeats on Saturday afternoon as they host Leicester City at Selhurst Park.
Roy Hodgson’s troops have been in poor form on home soil so far throughout the season, but will hope to earn a much-needed three points against a Foxes side who have found it tricky against the Croydon outfit in recent seasons.
Crystal Palace
Currently sitting 16th and only two points away from the relegation zone in the Premier League table, it has so far been an underwhelming season in 2018/19 for Crystal Palace. Despite their great escape from relegation last season, the Eagles are under real threat of being dragged into yet another survival fight. They have only won three out of their last 16 games in the top-flight, with only one of those coming on home soil. That is where they have really struggled so far having only taken five points at Selhurst Park. No side in the Premier League have taken fewer points at home than the Eagles. Having said that, they did manage to take maximum points in their last home game with a slim 1-0 victory over stuttering Burnley.
Despite that, their poor performances do now seem to be creeping in away from home. In their last two matches, Hodgson’s troops have taken on Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United, losing 3-1 and 3-2 respectively. They will hope to get back on track with the visit of the Foxes, then.
Team News
Hodgson could potentially be missing a few of his key players for the match against Leicester. Wilfried Zaha and James Tomkins are both ruled out through suspensions. Elsewhere, Scott Dann and Christian Benteke are both also restricted to the sidelines with injury.
Leicester City
The Foxes come into the clash at Selhurst Park off of the back of their first defeat in seven games in all competitions as they lost 2-0 to Tottenham Hotspur at the King Power Stadium last weekend. Despite that unbeaten run, Leicester have struggled to finish sides off lately having failed to beat West Ham United, Burnley, Brighton & Hove Albion, Southampton and Fulham within 90 minutes. It is in the goalscoring department that they have really been hampered having only managed to score more than one goal in four out of their 16 Premier League games so far this season.
Despite that, they do still sit ninth in the table and only four points behind sixth-placed Manchester United ahead of the weekend’s games. One aspect that has improved is their defensive record. Having shipped 20 goals so far throughout the campaign, only Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton have a better defensive record outside of the current top four. Also, they have only lost three games away from home this season so will be looking to continue that against the Eagles.
Team News
Claude Puel has revealed that he could potentially welcome the likes of Jamie Vardy and Harry Maguire back into the squad after the duo returned to training at the weekend. However, defender Ben Chilwell will be subjected to a late fitness test after he picked up a knock in training. Long-term absentees Matty James and Daniel Amartey remain ruled out.
Key Facts To Consider
- Leicester City have the marginally better record between the two sides (W26, D18, L25)
- The Eagles won the last clash between the two 5-0 at Selhurst Park
- Leicester have only won one out of their last five games at Selhurst Park
- Roy Hodgson has never lost against Leicester as a manager, including winning his last five games
- Crystal Palace have not won a game without Wilfried Zaha since September 2016
Conclusion
Looking at this game, it would be key for Crystal Palace to pick up three points. With Leicester City struggling to find the back of the net, Palace will be hoping that this presents a vital opportunity. However, without Zaha, it may be difficult for them to also trouble Kasper Schmeichel in the opposition goal. Fans should not be expecting a thriller at Selhurst Park and the match is likely to end in a draw.
Prediction: Draw
Odds:11/5
Bookmaker: Bet365
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