The two teams face each other live in the prime time television slot on Saturday evening following contrasting fortunes in the FA Cup last weekend.
A shock defeat at Championship side Reading for the Baggies was overshadowed by an unsavoury incident after the final whistle which hit the headlines more than the achievement by the hosts. Meanwhile, Palace continued their excellent cup form with a narrow win at high flying Tottenham Hotspur.
The Eagles will be hoping that result will be the catalyst to regaining some of that excellent early season form particularly considering some of the injury woes are starting to ease on what had become a stretched squad of players.
Both teams have reached this part of the season having accrued the same amount of points which is almost as significant as former Eagles boss Tony Pulis taking on the team he walked out on before a ball was kicked ahead of the 2014/15 Premier League season.
Here is our resident Baggies fan Dan Watts talking to PalaceFanTV;
Team News
Crystal Palace – Kwesi Appiah (knee), James McArthur (ankle) and Jason Puncheon (hamstring) continue to miss out. Bakary Sako is back in training but may make the match day squad.
West Bromwich Albion – Jonny Evans (hamstring), James Morrison (hamstring) and Calum McManaman (ankle) are all missing through injury while Craig Dawson (ankle) and Gareth McAuley (hamstring) are doubtful.
Action Replay
The two sides last met in October 2015 where Palace ran out 2-0 winners at Selhurst Park courtesy of goals from Yannick Bolasie and a late penalty by Yohan Cabaye. It was not such plain sailing for the Eagles in the previous game where the Baggies ran out 2-0 winners in their trip to South London. A second minute goal from James Morrison set them on their way and a long range effort from Craig Gardner sealed all three points in April 2015.
Form Guide
In the last six games between the two sides, Palace have won three, Albion two and one draw. Of those games, three were played at the Hawthorns with one win each and one draw.
West Brom have the upper hand in recent form having won one and drawn three from their last six games while Palace have only one draw to show for the same period of games.
Form Players
Jonny Evans (7.31), Yohan Cabaye (7.31), Yannick Bolasie (7.18), Scott Dann (7.10), Claudio Yacob (7.06)
One To Watch
Chris Brunt
The Northern Ireland international was the target of his own fans last weekend so expect an outpouring of support for the midfielder in the first game back at the Hawthorns. He has been in decent form this season with a current average rating of 6.81 leading into this game. In a career that began at Middlesbrough before moving on to Sheffield Wednesday, the Belfast born left sided player is not far off reaching 300 appearances for the Albion. With over fifty international caps, the thirty-one year old will be looking forward to representing his side in the European Championships this summer.
Predictions
Final league position – 15th
Contrary to the turbulent season the Baggies have had, a lot can be said about a stubborn team that does not concede a lot of goals. That should see them in good stead for the run in as they are likely to do more than enough to secure another season in the top flight. It is expected to be a summer of change however with rumours about the future of Tony Pulis, question marks over the owner who has tried and failed to find a buyer for the club along with the expected departure of Saido Berahino among others.
- TEB prediction – away win
- Dan Watts prediction (see link below) – draw
- Who Scored prediction – away win
Betting Odds (courtesy of Paddy Power)
- Home 13/8
- Draw 21/10
- Away 15/8
