Verdict: Away win – yes
Best Odds: 17/10
Bookmaker: 888sport
Two relegation-threatened teams such as Stoke City and Crystal Palace will kick off Saturday’s action in the English Premier League in what will be a thrilling contest for both sides. The hosts only have two games left to avoid relegation and their scenario is quite complicated, while Palace would avoid a drop to the Championship all together with a positive result here. Game will start this Saturday at 12:30 BST.
Stoke City
The Potters only have two games left in their Premier League schedule, and it is safe to say that they are extremely complicated when it comes to the relegation standings. The team sits in 19th place with 30 points, and right now they are three points adrift safety even if Swansea have one game in hand. Their recent form hasn’t been very inspiring either, as they have not won in their last five matches but they have drawn their last three. That’s a limited glimpse of hope for Stoke, but they need to hold on to anything they can in order to potentially avoid a drop to the Championship. Things are complicated for Stoke from any angle one wants to look at it, but the team has not given up during the entire season and it is unlikely that they will drop the towel in this one. They might have had bad results, but that’s just not their style.
Team News
Stoke City have three players sidelined ahead of this game. Jese and Ibrahim Afellay are suspended, while Konstantinos Stafylidis is dealing with a chest problem.
Maxim Choupo-Moting is doubtful ahead of this contest with a groin problem. The Cameroon international will undergo a late-fitness test to determine his availability.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace has enjoyed a remarkable turnaround this season. We mustn’t forget that this team started the Premier League with seven losses in their first seven games – period where they couldn’t score a single goal – but they have bounced back admirably. Right now, Palace sit in 11th place with 38 points and even though they have only two games left in the schedule, they sit rather comfortably if we look at the relegation standings. Crystal Palace are six points above the relegation zone and their main competitors in that aspect have three games left.. so while things are relatively comfortable for them, they have not sealed the deal just yet. But their recent form has been impressive so far, and that should give the fans some hope going forward. Palace are riding a four-game undefeated streak, with two wins and two draws.
Team News
Crystal Palace have three players sidelined ahead of this game. Scott Dann (knee), Jason Puncheon (knee) and Bakary Sako (ankle) are all out.
To make things even more complicated, Connor Wickham (groin) is doubtful. He will have to undergo a late-fitness test to determine his availability.
Key Factors to Consider
- Stoke have won just one of their last 14 Premier League matches. In fact, they are riding a 12-game winless streak (D7, L5)
- On the other hand, Crystal Palace have been playing well of late. They are riding a four-game undefeated streak (W2, D2) in their last four Premier League matches.
- Crystal Palace have won three of the last four games against Stoke. However, Stoke won the last time these two sides met at Bet365 stadium.
- Stoke’s last three games have had under 2,5 goals. Meanwhile, four of the last five games Crystal Palace games have had over 2,5 goals.
- Stoke need to win and wait for other results to keep their chances of avoiding relegation alive.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that Palace are set to avoid relegation, it is fair to say that both teams are among the worst in the Premier League this season.
As such, I don’t expect many goals here but I believe the visitors have the edge. As such, I think Palace will secure the three points here.
Verdict: Away win – yes
Best Odds: 17/10
Bookmaker: 888sport
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