Premier League preview and odds: Crystal Palace vs West Bromwich Albion

Premier League preview and odds: Crystal Palace vs West Bromwich Albion

August 13 , 2016 15:00pm - Selhurst Park

Premier League

Two teams who finished just a point apart in last year’s Premier League table will go head-to-head in the first game of the new season as Crystal Palace take on West Bromwich Albion at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

Last season`s table neighbours square up for first game of new season

After a strong start to last year’s campaign which saw them challenging for the top four places by Christmas, Crystal Palace suffered a dramatic dip in form that saw them finish the season way down in 15th place. A more consistent show of form will be the main aim this year with a top ten finish perhaps a realistic target for the Eagles.

Alan Pardew`s men have prepared well for the new term, having enjoyed a decent pre-season campaign that ended with a 3-1 win over Valencia. The squad has been strengthened by the additions of Andros Townsend, who arrived from Newcastle for £13m, Steve Mandanda, a £1.3m signing from Marseille and James Tomkins, who made the £10m switch from West Ham. The club are also trying to reinforce their striking options by bringing in Liverpool outcast Christian Benteke.

However, there have also been a large number of departures, most notably Dwight Gayle who joined Newcastle for £10m. And there is a strong possibility that winger Yannick Bolasie will be gone by the time the action begins on Saturday with Everton currently favourites to land his signature.

West Brom finished just a point and one place above Palace last year and will be looking to get their season off to a good start against one of their direct rivals for the mid-table positions. However, the Baggies` pre-season campaign has been slightly inspiring, finishing with underwhelming defeats to Torquay United and Mallorca.

Tony Pulis has released several players but Matt Phillips has been the only new addition so far, arriving in a £5.5m deal from QPR. With so few changes to the starting XI, there is little reason to expect any other than a bottom-half finish from the Midland team this year. In fact, with some of the teams sround them looking stronger, they could even find themselves drawn into a relegation battle.

Team news

Palace will have to make do without Jonathan Williams, Pape Souare, Fraizer Campbell and Bakary Sako.

Meanwhile, Chris Brunt will be the only significant absentee for the visitors.

Recent form (League)

Crystal Palace: WWLWD

West Bromwich Albion: LLDWW

Betting odds and tips

Some decent transfer business and a good pre-season showing should put Palace in a confident mood ahead of this opener against an uninspiring West Brom team. The Eagles starting strong last season and will be hoping for more of the same this year.

You can back the home win at 19/20 with Bet365

By Neil Morris

Go To bet365

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10/08/2016     © Frixo 2024