Palace have had nearly two weeks to reflect on what was seen as a very disappointing defeat away at Southampton after an uncharacteristic error from Julian Speroni allowed Sadio Mane to bag the late winner.
Alan Pardew’s side welcome Premier League strugglers Queens Park Rangers to Selhurst Park this weekend in a bid to all but seal a third successive season in the top flight. A win could see the Eagles move eleven points clear of the relegation zone with just nine games left to play.
A goalless draw between the two sides on New Years Day was overshadowed with controversy when Joey Barton should have been penalised for a challenge on Frazier Campbell late on in the game.
Rangers will hope that Charlie Austin will be on form as the Hoops desperately try to claw their way out of the relegation scrap they now find themselves in. A loss away at Spurs was seen as unlucky as some controversial refereeing decisions handed the home team maximum points.
Team News
Crystal Palace – Mile Jedinak serves the second of his four match ban for violent conduct whilst fellow midfielder Jordon Mutch will be out of action until April. Marouane Chamakh should be in contention for a starting place behind Glenn Murray to boost Alan Pardew’s attacking options.
QPR – Joey Barton will miss the trip to South London as he serves a suspension. Leroy Fer and Richard Dunne (ligaments) will miss the rest of the season as will Alejandro Faurlin (ligaments). Adel Taraabt (groin) is also sidelined.
Form Guide
Palace have won two of their last five games which has seen them keep pace with the other teams in and around relegation danger. QPR have won one and lost nine of their last ten games which may explain why Harry Redknapp quit as manager rather than his knee. His replacement Chris Ramsey faces a difficult task for the remainder of the campaign.
One To Watch
Charlie Austin
Striker. Age 25. Appearances 21. Goals 13. Assists 7. Average Rating 7.06.
The former Burnley man has been staking a claim for a place in Roy Hodgson’s England squad whilst trying his best to keep QPR in the Premier League. He will most likely move on in the summer regardless of QPR’s Premier League status come May but Palace must be wary of the goal threat he carries. Thirteen goals so far this season along with Harry Kane shows the three lions may have a bright future ahead.
Predictions
QPR look destined to join Leicester City and one of five potential other clubs in the Championship next season should they suffer defeat again ahead of a tricky run of games. With a win for the Eagles going a long way to guaranteeing survival, there is everything to play for before having to face the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City.
- EPL Index prediction – home win
- Sky Sports Pundit Paul Merson’s prediction – home win
- Who Scored prediction – home win
- My prediction – home win
- Paddy Power odds – home 4/5 – draw 27/10 – away 7/2
