Prediction: Crystal Palace vs Sheffield United

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 21/10

Bookmaker: bet365

Crystal Palace and Sheffield United will meet at Selhurst Park this weekend in what should be a fascinating clash of styles between two clubs that look set to become Premier League regulars in the next few years. Palace continue to linger around midtable, whereas United are taking one look at the top six and thinking that they might just be able to sneak their way into the mix.

Crystal Palace

Roy Hodgson has kept his cards fairly close to his chest throughout the course of the January transfer window, only bringing in two new faces in the form of Cenk Tosun and Scott Banks. The general consensus seems to be that the Eagles are good enough to edge themselves away from the relegation battle, but don’t quite have enough depth to make a run at the top six. Altering that point of view will be the aim of this club between now and the end of the season.

Team News

Sakho, Schlupp, Townsend and van Aanholt have all been ruled out of this game whereas Benteke is a doubt. Elsewhere, Ward is being tipped to come into the squad at the expense of Martin Kelly.

Sheffield United

Chris Wilder is one of a few managers that is in the mix for Manager of the Season at this stage of the campaign. He’s been able to guide this former Championship side towards the top eight, and he’s done it by playing some really good football, too. United can work their way up from the back, they can attack through the middle and they are capable of the sort of passing football that most teams coming up from the second tier can only dream of.

Team News

The only major injury doubt at this moment in time for the Blades is David McGoldrick. Lundstram could be re-introduced into the starting XI with Besic dropping out, but aside from that, fans shouldn’t expect all too many changes from the team that played against Manchester City.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in August, Sheffield United beat Crystal Palace 1-0.
• Crystal Palace have drawn four and lost two of their last six games.
• Sheffield United have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Crystal Palace have scored five goals and conceded eight in their last six games.
• Sheffield United have scored six goals and conceded five in their last six games.

Conclusion

Palace have been able to frustrate some top teams as of late, and we wouldn’ t be surprised if they held Sheffield United to a point here. The Blades have a very direct style but as we saw between these sides at the start of the season, there really isn’t all too much separating them in terms of quality. With United’s form dropping ever so slightly in the Premier League as of late, we’re backing Palace to salvage a point and put a dent the visitors’ European aspirations.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 21/10

Bookmaker: bet365