Hull City missed yet another chance of moving out of the relegation zone when they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Middlesbrough earlier this week. The Tigers are just one place above Swansea, who are rock bottom of the league table. You can feel how motivated they will be when they host Alan Pardew’s Crystal Palace at the KC Stadium on Saturday. Crystal Palace are certainly one of the under-performing sides in the Premier League but they had an excellent 3-0 win over Southampton last week, a result that surprised quite a few.
Crystal Palace are certainly one of the under-performing sides in the Premier League but they had an excellent 3-0 win over Southampton last week. Breaking Southampton’s resolute defence thrice is not bread and butter job but Pardew did it with perfection last week. But, don’t get surprised if you get to see a wasteful display from the Eagles on Saturday against struggling Hull City.
Hull have found life hard back in the Premier League and look destined to drop back into the Championship again and the Crystal Palace fans will hope that they can get the better of Mike Phelan’s side on Saturday. Both sides have won just one of their last six fixtures in all competitions.
Team news
Hull City
Hull striker Abel Hernandez will undergo a hernia operation and is unlikely return until the New Year. The Tigers suffered no fresh injury problems during the narrow defeat to Middlesbrough on Monday.
Crystal Palace
Loic Remy is on the brink of a return to first-team football after suffering two injuries since arriving at Crystal Palace but is unlikely to start. Steve Mandanda remains on the sidelines with a knee problem, while Connor Wickham is continuing his long rehabilitation from an ACL injury suffered at Swansea in November. Yohan Cabaye is available too.
Predicted lineups
Hull City (4-4-1-1): Marshall; Elmohamady, Dawson, Davies, Robertson; Snodgrass, Livermore, Mason, Clucas; Henriksen; Mbokani
Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1): Hennessey; Tomkins, Delaney, Dann, Ward; McArthur, Ledley; Zaha, Puncheon, Townsend; Benteke
Key players
Hull City- Robert Snodgrass
Regardless of how Hull have played this season, Snodgrass has been impressive for the Tigers. The Scottish winger has scored four times this season already and will be a big threat to the Palace defence.
Crystal Palace- Christian Benteke
Christian Benteke has been impressive since his big-money move to Selhurst Park from Liverpool. The big Belgian has scored three goals and set up one more in the last two games and will be looking to get on the scoresheet again.
Odds
Hull City win @5/2
Draw @23/20
Crystal Palace win @13/10
