Crystal Palace vs Sheffield Utd prediction: ENGLAND: Premier League betting tips on match 2024-01-29 20:00.
[p]There is serious concern among Crystal Palace fans about the direction that the club is currently heading in, with the 5-0 capitulation at Arsenal meaning the Eagles have now won only once in 12 matches across all competitions (D4, L7). Manager Roy Hodgson subsequently held talks with chairman Steve Parish, and while the 76-year-oldâs position is currently safe, failure to defeat bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United will push him closer to the exit door. [/p]
[p]Palace are 15th – just five points clear of the relegation zone – but claimed an opening-weekend 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture against their upcoming opponents, extending their H2H run to three successive wins âto nilâ. Getting the opener will matter to some extent again here, but the Londoners interestingly failed to win on the last two occasions they took the lead at Selhurst Park (D1, L1).[/p]
[p]Despite still being 20th, Sheff Utd will have been buoyed by a dramatic 2-2 comeback draw against West Ham United in their last league outing that saw Oli McBurnie score the latest-ever goal in the competitionâs history, netting a 103rd minute penalty. A first away league triumph of the season is now in the Bladesâ sights, even if they were defeated 5-2 by Brighton in FA Cup action at the weekend, and although their recent record against Palace has been poor, prior to that aforementioned streak theyâd got the better of them in three of the previous four meetings. [/p]
[p]Alarmingly, the South Yorkshire side still possess both the divisionâs worst attack and leakiest defence, while they have only scored five times on the road since returning to the top flight – also a league-low figure. Chris Wilderâs side will not be looking to history for inspiration either, having come away empty-handed on their five trips to the capital so far this term.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: With Michael Olise doubtful due to a hamstring injury – and Palace having drawn blanks in the last three matches during his absence – Palace may have to wait for some input from Jean-Philippe Mateta, whose five goals this term all arrived after the break. After making it 1-1 on his full Sheff Utd debut against West Ham, Ben Brereton DĂaz will aim to find the net in successive league outings for the first time since last March. [/p]
[p]Hot stat: Only Chelsea have received more Premier League bookings than Sheff Utdâs 64 in 2023/24. [/p]