Prediction: Crystal Palace vs Leicester

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 43/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

Following the conclusion of a two-week international break, club football is back in our lives this weekend with all major leagues across Europe getting back up and running. There are still a fair few games left to play between now and the end of May, but as we approach April, it’s safe to say the final countdown has begun. Today, we’ll be taking a look at what should be a pretty tense clash between Crystal Palace and Leicester City.

Crystal Palace

It’s out with the new, in with the old for Crystal Palace as Roy Hodgson has replaced Patrick Vieira as Eagles manager. It’s the kind of move that would be enough to destroy the relationship between a fanbase and the owners, and that’s putting it lightly. The one and only goal that Roy has is to keep this club in the Premier League and from there, they need a serious reset in the summer.

Team News

Andersen, Johnstone and Ferguson are all injured here with question marks surrounding the fitness of Hughes, Guaita and McArthur.

Leicester

Brendan Rodgers has admitted in recent days that his squad’s star power won’t be enough to keep them in the top flight of English football. It’s important for him to recognise that, especially given the terrible run of form they’ve been on lately. There’s a decent chance he’ll be gone by the time we reach the transfer window but prior to that, he needs one last stand in the form of keeping this club afloat.

Team News

Souttar, Vestergaard and Bertrand are all fighting to be fit in time for this one with Tielemans, Justin and Kristiansen confirmed to be out through injury.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in October, Leicester and Palace drew 0-0.
• Palace have drawn two and lost four of their last six games.
• Leicester have drawn one and lost five of their last six games.
• Palace have scored two goals and conceded eight in their last six games.
• Leicester have scored three goals and conceded 11 in their last six games.

Conclusion

There’s a chance that both teams could throw caution to the wind here in an attempt to kickstart their survival instincts. Alas, while there are strong attacking options on both sides, neither really has that kind of urgency right now. Leicester, if anyone, will be pushing the tempo out of the two, but we can’t imagine it’ll lead to much at Selhurst Park. In the end, we’ll go for a somewhat poor draw.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 43/20

Bookmaker: 888sport