After a much-needed victory against Middlesbrough last week, Sam Allardyce would expect his men to travel to Hawthorns in the same spirit. It was Palace’s second win in 12 top flight matches. This will be the first time that Palace would be aiming for successive wins since September last year.
West Bromwich Albion, on the other hand, have been quite impressive this season after a slow start. They have reached the 40-point mark with 12 games to spare. A win next would see them equal their points tally from last season and leave them just six behind the club’s all-time Premier League tally.
Team news
West Bromwich Albion- On the injury front, Tony Pulis will have little concerns as compared to Crystal Palace. Full-back Craig Dawson will be a slight doubt for the fixture as he might just not recover in time from the head injury he suffered against Bournemouth. A definite miss would be the right-winger Matt Phillips, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury that he incurred during the build-up to their Saturday’s win over the Cherries. Apart from that, Albion will more or less have a strong team to face Palace.
Crystal Palace- Among crucial doubts for the game are Frenchmen Loic Remy and Mathieu Flamini and Mali international Bakary Sacko, who are expected to shake off their injuries ahead of the trip. Among the sidelined remain Steve Mandanda, Connor Wickham and Pape Souare.
Scott Dann should be fit for the game although manager Sam Allardyce is unlikely to call upon his services this game too. The 30-year-old was left on the bench in their last game against Middlesbrough and the success might prompt the manager to leave him unused this time too.
West Brom starting XI: Foster; Dawson, McAuley, Evans, Nyom; Livermore, Brunt; Fletcher, Morrison, Chadli; Rondon
Crystal Palace starting XI: Hennessey; Ward, Dann, Sakho, Van Aanholt; Cabaye, Milivojevic; Zaha, Puncheon, Townsend; Benteke
Key Player
West Bromwich Albion- Nacer Chadli will definitely be Pulis’ main man up front as Rondon is going through a dry patch since the last few games. It was Chadli’s assist that led to the equaliser by Craig Dawson. It was Gareth McAuley’s goal that won them the game last match and Pulis would expect his centre-half to continue his touch.
Crystal Palace- Patrick van Aanholt opened his account with the Eagles last game. The Dutch enforcer has scored four goals from the full-back position this season. Allardyce would expect him to continue his aggressive approach. Another dangerous player would be Christian Benteke. The Belgian would be instrumental in breaking Albion’s adamant defence.
Betting Odds
West Bromwich Albion @ 2.20
Draw @ 3.30
Crystal Palace @ 3.80
