Crystal Palace vs Watford - Premier League preview and odds

Published on: 17/03/2017

Premier League preview and odds: Crystal Palace vs Watford

March 18, 2017 15:00 pm - Selhurst Park

Premier League

Two teams still firmly in the relegation conversation will go head-to-head on Saturday as 17th-ranked Crystal Palace look to gain ground on precariously-placed Watford who currently hold the 13th berth.

Big Sams survival plan on track

Sam Allardyce has carved a tidy career as a Premier League survival specialist and will be looking to fulfil the same role again this season. Just when it looked as though the Eagles were swooping towards the Championship, they managed to pull back-to-back wins out of the hat to lift themselves above the clouds of relegation.

The South Londoners have conceded at least one goal in 85% of their home matches but did manage to keep a clean sheet against Middlesbrough last time out. However, they have only scored two goals in their last five home games and that will be a concern for the (briefly) former England boss.

Meanwhile, Watford may be sitting in 13th place but they are not clear of danger yet. The Hornets are winless in three, having lost 2-0 away to Manchester united before drawing 1-1 at home to West Ham United and losing 3-4 to Southampton, also at home.

Walter Mazzarris men have been frustratingly inconsistent but have pulled off three away wins this term (at West Ham United, Middlesbrough and Arsenal). They have conceded at least one goal in each of their last eight away games.

Team news

This game will be notable for the number of absentees from both sides.

Patrick van Aanholt (ankle ligament), Connor Wickham (knee ligament), Jonathan Benteke (meniscus injury) and Pape Souare (surgery) will all miss out for the home side, while Loic Remy (muscular injury), Mathieu Flamini (muscular) and Steve Mandanda (knee) are all doubtful.

Meanwhile the visitors will be without Ben Watson (groin strain), Mauro Zarate, Christian Kabasele (calf strain) and Roberto Pereyra (muscular), while Etienne Capoue is ill and remains a doubt.

Recent form (League)

Crystal Palace: WWLLW

Watford: LDLWW

Betting odds and tips

Crystal Palace have been awful at home this season and just scraped a win against a struggling Middlesbrough in their last game to Selhurst Park. Watford will provide a tough test and a low scoring game can be expected. In fact, we may have to wait unto the second half for a breakthrough.

You can back a Halftime Score 0-0 at 13/8 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 17/03/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (17/03/2017 15:27:11) but are subject to change.