The Palace faithful face an all too familiar feeling as they see their team travel for an important six pointer at London rivals and fellow strugglers Queens Park Rangers.
It is the first game after the sacking of manager Neil Warnock. The Yorkshireman departs after a run of only one win in twelve leaving the Eagles in the drop zone.
Assistant Keith Millen once again takes charge as caretaker manager as he has done on three other occasions following the departures of both Tony Pulis and Ian Holloway. The odds favor Tony Pulis but he is an unlikely candidate to return due to the unceremonious nature of his departure in August.
Millen has been quick to rally round the players as he did following the unexpected walkout of Pulis two days before the season started. He will hope to influence a similar performance as he did against Hull City back in November that began Palace’s remarkable turnaround last season.
Palace suffered a disappointing home defeat to Southampton on Boxing Day after goals from Sadio Mane, Ryan Bertrand and Toby Alderweireld went unanswered until the dying embers of the second half. Scott Dann pulled a late consolation goal back for the home side.
Harry Redknapp’s Queens Park Rangers side have also been languishing towards the bottom end of the table. However, in form striker Charlie Austin has helped fire them out of the bottom three after three wins in their last six games. The West London outfit find themselves in sixteenth and only a point above Palace. They will be looking to take advantage of the turmoil surrounding SE25 and take all three vital points.
Team News
Queens Park Rangers – Midfield duo Alejandro Faulrin and Sandro are long term casualties for the Hoops but should be set to welcome back Joey Barton and Leroy Fer who both missed their 2-1 defeat to Arsenal.
Crystal Palace – Yannick Bolasie is expecting the birth of his second child and could possibly miss this game. Wilfried Zaha may step in to fill the Congolese wingers absence. Marouane Chamakh is still unavailable with a hamstring injury but caretaker manager Keith Millen may favour Dwight Gayle up front as he has done in recent stints as head coach.
Analysis & Predicton for QPR – 19th
Charlie Austin is the key to Queens Park Rangers success and whether or not he leaves in January will make or break their season. Should the striker wish to move on there will not be a shortage of clubs vying for his signature. he is expected to stick around and slug it out at the foot of the table knowing that he can jump ship should it sink.
Harry Redknapp has been in this situation before although he seems intent on signing the same players at each and every club he goes to. He has to be careful not to turn Rangers into a new version of Portsmouth with a wage bill as astronomical, relegation would be disastrous.
EPL Index prediction – home win
Who Scored prediction – home win
My prediction – away win
Paddy Power odds – home win 13/10 – draw 23/10 – away win 11/5
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