England Premier League
Saturday 30th December 2023
Kick off at 3pm GMT
Venue: Selhurst Park
Match Preview:
If media reports are true then this could be Roy Hodgson’s last managerial game not just for Crystal Palace but forever. Hodgson was due to retire from the game at the end of the season but this could be sped up as the Eagles have struggled more than usual in this campaign. Even if Palace were to win here Hodgson’s job is far from safe because Steve Cooper who has just been given the chop at Nottingham Forest has already been named in many media outlets as the man to replace him.
As for this game Crystal Palace come into it looking worse for wear and would be bottom of the Premier League based on the last 10 games with just 1 win and 6 points from 30. This being football, their heroic draw at Manchester City a few weeks ago has been completely forgotten and there is more focus on the fact that they have won just 2 points from their last 15. However that doesn’t mean that recent results have been as bad as many think. Following the City draw, Palace also managed a draw over Brighton and were only beaten 2-1 in their last game against Chelsea in the final minutes as they gave away a penalty. Still these are worrying times for Palace who have the second to worst home record with just six points from 27 points and only 8 goals scored at home so far.
Brentford are in 14th and one point to the advantage of their hosts. On form Thomas Frank’s side are the worst and come into this one having lost their last 4 in a row. There has been defeats against Wolves, Aston Villa, Sheffield United and Brighton and the Wolves one was a home game that ended 4-1! The club have lost 5 games on the road and that includes losing their last three in a row.
Team News:
Crystal Palace: Odsonne Edouard and Sam Johnstone are both set to miss out again but could be nearer to returning the following week. Chieck Doucoure, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi and Joel Ward are all out long term. Rob Holding won’t return for at least another three weeks due to an ankle injury.
Brentford: Ben Mee is suspended as is Ivan Toney and the pair won’t return until next month. Kevin Schade, Aaron Hickey, Bryan Mbeumo, Joshua Dasilva and Kristoffer Ajer are all ruled out. Rico Henry is out for the season with his knee injury.
Crystal Palace vs Brentford Head to Head:
The last five meetings in a row have all ended in draws, with the last three ending with the same correct scoreline of 1-1.
The last five meetings have all finished in under 2.5 goals.
Crystal Palace vs Brentford Prediction:
These two clubs have only faced each other five times in recent times and all have been draws as noted above. We think the smart move could be to back Crystal Palace. The players will want to do that for manager Hodgson and it is clear as daylight that his days as a manager look numbered whatever happens. But if he is going out now, then at least go out and win your last home game. Hodgson has always been able to get the players on his side when it really matters and perhaps it is fortunate that they are meeting a side who are really struggling lately especially away.
Brentford will have Ivan Toney back soon and that will be a major boost for the club and manager Thomas Frank who must also be feeling the pressure, but we think there will be more misery before glory for the Bees and will be backing the home side to get the points.
Crystal Palace vs Brentford Betting Tips:
Draw no bet (Crystal Palace) at 1.60
Under 2.5 goals at 1.72
The 'PLACE BET' button will take you to BetUK.com, where these selections can be found. Please gamble responsibly, 18+ BeGambleAware.org
© Copyright topfootballtipster.com 2019
