After what has been a disapointing start to the new Premier League campaign for Palace fans, we can only hope the international break has served as a refresher and that the upcoming trip to the Riverside Stadium results in our first victory of the 2016/17 season.
On a more positive note, the signing of Mathieu Flamini will surely boost morale in the squad and provide Alan Pardew with another option similar to that of Mile Jedinak before his move to Aston Villa in the summer.
For opponents Middlesbrough, it is a welcome return to the Premier League after a seven year absence following relegation to the Championship in 2009.
TEAM NEWS
CRYSTAL PALACE – Bakary Sako (groin), Fraizer Campbell (hamstring), and Loic Remy (thigh) are all expected to miss out while James McArthur and Yohan Cabaye are both doubtful after returning early from international duty.
MIDDLESBROUGH – James Husband (shoulder), Grant Leadbitter (hernia) and Fabio da Silva (knee) are all unavailable this weekend along while Gaston Ramirez and Cristhian Stuani are both doubtful. George Friend (calf), Victor Valdes (hamstring) and Marten de Roon (hamstring) may face late fitness tests.
ACTION REPLAY
The two sides have not met since Palace were in the championship however last time out we got see a thrilling victory for the eagles. Selhurst Park, 16th February 2013, Palace beat Middlesbrough 4-1. Two goals from Glenn Murray, one from Peter Ramage and Kevin Phillips respectivley and a consolation goal from Faris Haroun making a memorable match at home for the Palace faithful.
FORM GUIDE
Last FIVE meetings between the two sides;
- 16/02/2013 – Palace 4-1 Middlesbrough
- 25/08/2012 – Middlesbrough 2-1 Palace
- 04/02/2012 – Middlesbrough 0-0 Palace
- 20/09/2011 – Palace 2-1 Middlesbrough
- 17/09/2011 – Palace 0-1 Middlesbrough
Recent games between these two clubs have been well matched with Palace winning three and Middlesbrough winning two. That was not the case in the most recent match at Selhurst park in 2011 as the Eagles ran out emphatic 4-1 winners courtesy of goals from Glenn Murray (2), Peter Ramage and Kevin Phillips. Faris Haroun scored a late consolation for the visitors.
Last FIVE results for Palace;
- 27/08/2016 – Palace 1-1 Bournemouth
- 23/08/2016 – Palace 2-0 Blackpool
- 20/08/2016 – Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Palace
- 13/08/2016 – Palace 0-1 West Bromwich Albion
- 21/05/2016 – Palace 1-2 Manchester United
Last FIVE results for Middlesbrough;
- 28/08/2016 – West Brom 0-0 Middlesbrough
- 24/08/2016 – Fulham 2-1 Middlesbrough
- 21/08/2016 – Sunderland 1-2 Middlesbrough
- 13/08/2016 – Middlesbrough 1-1 Stoke City
- 07/05/2016 – Middlesbrough 1-1 Brighton
FORM PLAYERS (courtesy of Who Scored)
Top two rated players from each team so far this season;
- Jason Puncheon (7.66)
- Scott Dann (7.53)
- Álvaro Negredo (7.25)
- Gaston Ramirez (7.24)
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
“Momentum is important for every team who has not won a game. It is hard to win. Getting a win early would be good. We have got to start winning some games and this is an opportunity to win our first away game.” – ALAN PARDEW courtesy of BBC Sport.
“It is going to be a tough game, especially when Palace are not in a good way. They have very good forwards, and they will be doing everything to add points. In one or two weeks, everything can change so we have to forget the past and focus on the next game.” – AITOR KARANKA courtesy of BBC Sport.
ONE TO WATCH
Jason Puncheon
Despite not getting what would have been a much deserved man of the match award against Bournemouth, Puncheon oozed class which eventually proved itself with his exquisite cross over the visiting defence for Scott Dann to head home for the late equaliser. Usually a late starter in a new season, the signs so far have been good and if the former Southampton player can continue this form, he will certainly be the one to watch this weekend as Palace make the long trip North to Teeside.
PREDICTION
Final league position – 14th
Aitor Karanka has carried out some excellent business for Boro in the transfer window by bringing in some fantastic players in an effort to help the club survive the drop this season. Álvaro Negredo was and will prove to be their best addition who should link up well with Gaston Ramirez and providing some much needed quality and experience to the starting eleven.
- TEB prediction – draw
- Sophie Barley prediction (see link below) – home win
- Who Scored prediction – home win
BETTING ODDS (courtesy of Paddy Power)
- Home 13/10
- Draw 21/10
- Away 12/5
- Both teams to score 11/10
Find our what Boro fan Sophie Barley told TEB this week in The Boro View.
