Crystal Palace to continue winning form
Crystal Palace’s win against Manchester City has given the London club some breathing at the bottom of the table. The Eagles shocked Pep Guardiola’s team 3-2 at the Etihad.
Now, Crystal Palace look to extend their winning streak into three games as Cardiff City come to Selhurst Park on Boxing Day. Crystal Palace have gained 18 points from 54 possible. The Eagles are four points ahead of Cardiff in the table.
Cardiff are currently two points above the relegation zone having lost two straight games. The Bluebirds have conceded eight goals in their last two games with five being allowed recently against Manchester United. Neil Warnock’s team has the worst points total away from home in the Premier League. Cardiff have registered just one point away from home and are one of two sides not to win on the road. They are –13 in goal difference on their travels.
Roy Hodgson’s Eagles have not been as strong at home as in past seasons. However, Crystal Palace has recently kickstarted their campaign with back to back home wins. They kept consecutive clean sheets and outscored their opponents 3-0 in those fixtures. Crystal Palace now have eight points from 24 possible at Selhurst Park and they are improving.
The last six matches between the two teams have ended in three wins apiece. Crystal Palace won the two most recent fixtures, but those wins came in the 2013-14 Premier League season. Crystal Palace have seen fewer than 2.5 goals scored in eight of their last nine league home games. Boxing Day may be a bit different, however, as Cardiff are fighting for Premier League survival. As the first half of the season ends, Warnock’s players won’t want to start the new year in the relegation zone.
Cardiff’s 18 goals scored is the sixth fewest in the league. Leading scorer Callum Paterson has four goals while forward Josh Murphy has struck the back of the net three times. Crystal Palace have scored fewer goals than Cardiff this term. The Eagles have tallied 17 goals which is the fifth fewest in the league. Midfielder Luka Milivojevic leads the team in goals with five. Forward Andros Townsend has hit form as he scored against Manchester City at the weekend. The forward has three goals and two assists this term.
Crystal Palace are the sportsbooks’ favourites heading into Boxing Day against Cardiff. The Bluebirds’ away record doesn’t bode well for them. With the importance of the game and the short timeline between fixtures, expect defensive mistakes and goals. Both teams will find the back of the net and there will be over 2.5 goals scored as Crystal Palace wins.
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