Crystal Palace host Leeds United on Saturday at Selhurst Park with three big points up for grabs. Both teams are coming off of matchday 7 losses and sit in the bottom half of the table.
For all of the praise and excitement that Marcelo Bielsa’s team have given the Premier League. They have taken 10 points and suffered three losses in seven games. Crystal Palace are level with Leeds United on 10 points.
Roy Hodgson’s Eagles are one place below Leeds United in the table due to goal difference. As has been Crystal Palace’s problem since Hodgson arrived, goals have been few and far between. Just eight goals have been scored by Crystal Palace this season.
Crystal Palace have taken just four of nine points possible at Selhurst Park. After a matchday 1 win against Southampton 1-0, they lost to Everton 2-1 and drew with Brighton 1-1.
Leeds United are on a two-game winning streak in the league away from Elland Road. They have actually taken more points on the road (six) than at home (four). After a 4-3 loss at Anfield to Liverpool, Leeds United defeated Sheffield United and Aston Villa by a combined 4-0 scoreline.
Along with a lack of goals, Crystal Palace continue to have a long list of injured players under Hodgson. Tyrick Mitchell, Joel Ward, Connor Wickham, Wayne Hennessey, and Nathan Ferguson are all ruled out of the game on Saturday.
Hodgson could have defenders Gary Cahill and James Tomkins back from injury. Both are fighting for fitness to finally appear for the team. James McCarthy is also returning to full fitness and could be passed fit to play. Meanwhile, Luka Milivojevic is suspended due to a red card.
Bielsa suffered a big blow this week as forward Rodrigo Moreno tested positive for COVID-19. He will miss the game but be able to return after the international break. Kalvin Phillips is ruled out through injury as is summer signing Diego Llorente. He has missed the last month of games.
In spite of the injuries, illness and suspensions, Leeds United are a team on the up. Crystal Palace are a team that is stagnating. Leeds United’s excellent away form and ability to get goals should see them claim a win this weekend.
The Whites should claim a fourth win of the season and potentially move into the upper half of the table. Expect over 2.5 goals as these teams get it on in south London.
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