A stalemate on Boxing Day saw Palace climb to fifth after Manchester United were beaten away at Stoke.
Now back on home soil, the Eagles welcome Swansea City to Selhurst Park in the stead of caretaker manager Alan Curtis. The Swans have struggled this season and with the recent sacking of Gary Monk, the South Wales outfit secured their first win since October away at West Bromwich Albion at the weekend.
Palace are unbeaten in six but are struggling with injuries following the recent news that star players Yannick Bolasie and Connor Wickham both face at least a month out of action.
Team News
Crystal Palace – Yohan Cabaye should return the starting line up after appearing as a second half substitute at Bournemouth. Chung-yong Lee attended the birth of his child in South Korea and will not be available. Bakary Sako and Dwight Gayle remain doubts.
Swansea City – Alan Curtis is only without Frank Tabanou who is nursing a leg injury otherwise a fully fit squad is at the Welshman’s disposal.
Action Replay
The last fixture between the two sides was played on the final day of last season where the Eagles clinched victory by a single goal scored by Marouane Chamakh goal. The game at the Liberty Stadium earlier in the season saw Mile Jedinak’s first half penalty secure a point for Palace after now Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony had given the hosts the lead.
Form Guide
In the last six games between the two it is Swansea City that have the upper with three wins and two draws. Three of the games were at Selhurst Park with Swansea winning two and Palace just the one.
The current form guide favours Palace who have managed three wins, two draws and a loss in their last six games. In contrast, the Swans have one win, two draws and three losses.
The form players from each side are Yohan Cabaye (7.41) and Ashley Williams (7.14).
Match Fact
Swansea City have lost five of their six games away from home in the Premier League while Palace are undefeated in their last five.
One To Watch
Jonjo Shelvey – Who Scored current rating 6.92
The England international has not been at his best this term but will be looking to rekindle some form in time for the European Championships and impress Roy Hodgson. He has the ability to strike a ball and create chances out of nothing.
The London born midfielder started on his journey to South Wales in the youth set up at Arsenal. He moved on to West Ham United before making his big break at Charlton Athletic in 2008. His form attracted the attentions of Liverpool who he joined in 2010 which included a loan spell at Blackpool. Still only 23 years of age, Shelvey joined the Swans in 2013.
Predictions
Final league position – 15th
With such a rocky start to the season the usual Europa League contenders are languishing in the lower reaches of the table in what has been a chaotic season thus far. A new manager will be key just in time for the January transfer window to inject some new enthusiasm down in South Wales but may need some transitional time before making any real progress.
- TEB prediction – home win
- Sky Sports prediction – home win
- Who Scored prediction – home win
Betting Odds (courtesy of Paddy Power)
- Home 13/10
- Draw 23/10
- Away 11/5
