The FA Cup takes centre stage this weekend with its usual thrills, giant killings and sense of adventure as lower league teams get a crack at the Premier League and Championship big boys.
Palace will see this as a welcome break from league action after drawing three and losing two of the last five games. The Eagles still find themselves in the bottom three of the Premier League but with the announcement of former Palace midfielder Alan Pardew as the new manager in SE25, things should hopefully start turning around.
Dover Athletic provide the opposition in the third round of the FA Cup for a first ever competitive meeting between the two sides having met in a few pre-season friendlies. The Conference South outfit sit in twelfth place despite the fact that they are on a sixteen game unbeaten run stretching back to the beginning of November.
Victories over Eastbourne, Cheltenham Town and Morecambe have seen the Whites enter the third round of the FA Cup and will be looking for a giant killing of their own when Alan Pardew makes his debut in the dugout for Palace at the Crabble Athletic Ground.
Team News
Dover Athletic – Chris Kinnear Junior, son of manager Chris Kinnear, is out of this one after sustaining a knee injury that has required surgery. He missed Dover’s New Year’s Day victory over Welling United.
Crystal Palace – Yannick Bolasie and Mile Jedinak are now on international duty for their respective countries. Palace’s only other absentee is Marouane Chamakh who has yet to play since the 1-1 draw with Stoke City. The Eagles will most likely opt for a team of fringe and youth academy players with the likes of Glenn Murray, Barry Bannan and Jonny Williams getting a start.
Form Guide
Dover Athletic are unbeaten in the last five games with three wins and two draws in comparison to Palace who have managed three draws and two losses.
One To Watch
Stefan Payne. Striker. Age 23. English.
The London born striker has netted an impressive 12 goals so far this season and will most likely lead the line with partner Tom Murphy who himself has bagged 6 goals. Payne came to Crabble off the back of a prolific season in the Ryman Premier with AFC Hornchurch where he scored 31 goals and provided 11 assists in 46 appearances. He was signed by Fulham in 2008 and has also played for Sutton United and Croydon FC.
Predictions
Paddy Power odds – home win 5/1 – draw 10/3 – away 1/2
BBC Sport – away win
My prediction – away win
Leave your comments for Adam below this article, on our Facebook page or Tweet us.
