The English Premier League continues to thrill during the mid-week, with Round 28 make-up games scheduled for Wednesday (April 26th). Bitter rivals Crystal Palace and Tottenham will lock horns at the Selhurst Park, with the kick-off commencing at (21:00 CET/20:00 GMT). The Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to bounce back, and return to winning ways after their miserable FA Cup semi final exit at the hands of Chelsea. On the other hand, a rejuvenated Crystal Palace will be eager to continue their decent spell of form, that’s seen the Eagles snatch all three points on the road, when they entertained Liverpool.
CRYSTAL PALACE vs. TOTTENHAM
3-Way: 1: Crystal Palace +500; X: +330 Draw; Tottenham -143
Spread +0.5: Crystal Palace +145; Tottenham Hotspur -149
Total +2.5 : Over -145; Under +138
CRYSTAL PALACE
Crystal Palace is currently ranked 12th in the league standings, and has accumulated 38 points in total so far this season. Sam Allardyce’s Eagles have seen a new lease of life, reinvigorated, after they managed to turn the tables on Liverpool, thanks to a brace of goals from man of the moment Christian Benteke. The club finds themselves seven points clear of relegation, and 21 points adrift of a Europa play off position, that is currently occupied by the Red Devils.
The Palace are unbeaten in their last 3 competitive matches, winning away to Liverpool (2:1), sharing the spoils with the Foxes (2:2), and crushing the Gunners in a rampant home display (3:0). In addition, Crystal Palace has only lost once in their previous six encounters. This loss came on a visit to St. Mary’s, when two late goals from Maya Yoshida and James-Ward-Prowse sealed all three points for the Saints.
Crystal Palace will intend to maintain this current form, which sees the eagles unbeaten in their last four games. Prior to this spell, Palace had won just five times in their previous sixteen matches, and lost on nine occasions at Selhurst Park.
Striker Christian Benteke has been in imperious form this season, and the ex- Liverpool striker proved to be the difference yet again, as the forward scored twice to silence the Anfield spectators. The menacing front man has netted 16 goals this campaign, and is certainly one to watch in this mid-week tussle, between the momentus sides.
Talented forward Wilfried Zaha trails behind his lethal counterpart, with six goals to his name. The creative striker has notched up nine assists this season. Andros Townsend has contributed four assists for the Eagles, and found the net on three separate occasions.
Sam Allardyce will have to reshuffle his Palace’s starting eleven, as centre-back James Tomkins picked up an ankle injury at Anfield, and was forced to leave the field of play on crutches.
Other notable absentees include captain Scott Dann, and Connor Wickham.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
TOTTENHAM will be looking to get back to winning ways, after their disappointing FA Cup semi-final defeat to fierce London rivals Chelsea. Sam Pochettino’s men will be aiming to continue the hunt for the English League crown, and the side is in a great position, just four points away from the current table toppers Chelsea. Tottenham will want to regain momentum, if they wish to go one further than last year. An end to the season which saw Wednesday’s visiting side capitulate at the final hurdle.
Tottenham’s rich vein of form continues to impress in the league, at home the side is ranked the best in the top flight, having won 15 matches out of 17 domestically. Tottenham’s away form is currently ranked the 5th best, having lost only three out of their fifteen matches played on the road, accompanied by six wins, and a further six draws. Currently Tottenham carries the highest scoring attack in the Premier league, with a total of 68 goals for the season. The Spurs also have an 8 point superior goal difference over fellow title contenders Chelsea, which could prove to be pivotal as we reach the final stages of this season.
Harry Kane has been in unstoppable form this year, the England International has netted a colossal 26 times, averaging a goal every ninety four minutes. The imperious striker has shot a total of 79 times, and 67% of these strikes on goal have hit the target.
Dele Alli appears to be going from strength to strength, and has enjoyed yet another prolific season for the Spurs. The talented midfield youngster has scored twenty times this season, just five behind his attacking partner, coming from a midfield position. The midfield juggernaut has also produced seven assists for his club throughout this campaign.
Son Heung-Min is another player to display phenomenal at this late stage in the season. The South-Korean international has slotted home 19 goals and has made 5 assists.
Danni Rose is close to a return to the starting eleven, but is still a major doubt ahead of Wednesday’s enticing tie. The zippy full back is currently receiving rehab for a persistent hip injury. Erik Lamela has been sidelined since Tottenham’s (1:2) defeat to Liverpool, and there is still no return date in sight for the clubs £30 million record signing.
Other absentees include Reserve Goalkeeper Michel Vorm, and Harry Winks. The youthful midfielder suffered severe ankle ligament damage in Tottenham’s Premier league tussle with Burnley, and is expected to be out for the rest of the season.
CRYSTAL PALACE vs. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR PREDICTION
Tottenham Hotspur come into Wednesday’s clash, eager to regain their winning form, which has seen the home side win their previous seven league fixtures on the bounce. On the other hand, Sam Allardyce and his Eagle’s will take great encouragement, following their recent victory away at Anfield.
Both teams possess potential match winners. Harry Kane is lethal on goal this season, and it would take a brave soul to bet against the striker netting again in Wednesday night’s contest. Deli Alli recently scooped up the coveted Football League Young Player of the Year award, is also on a run of blistering form. In contrast, Christian Benteke is enjoying a sensational season, and could play havoc with Tottenham’s back line if given enough time to get his monstrous shot off.
Personally, I think this match is going to be a thrilling goal fest, with both sides possessing such attacking talent, it is only a matter of time before the ball hits the back of the net …. We hope!!!
MY PICK: Tottenham Hotspur (-143)
TOTAL: Over 2.5 goals (-143)
Additional Pick: Both teams to score YES (-135)
