Eng. Championship
2012-12-01 - Crystal Palace vs Brighton
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Championship
Saturday 1 December 2012 - Kick Off 3pm
Crystal Palace
Ian Holloway's honeymoon is officially over as his new Crystal Palace side picked up just 1 point from a possible 6 in two away games over the last week following a 100% start to his managerial reign at Selhurst Park. Crystal Palace are over-achieving this season, but Holloway clearly believes this side is capable of helping him return to the Premier League.
Palace are 2nd in the Championship despite not picking up too many points in the last week, and they remain just 1 point behind Cardiff City in the table. They have been very good at home for the most part, going 6-2-1, scoring 24 goals and conceding 12 in those games.
The side had been unbeaten in 14 games and they had won 5 straight games before the last week when they were beaten at Leeds United and only managing a draw at Hull City. Palace are unbeaten in their last 8 home games since losing on opening day to Watford, and they have won 5 of their last 6 while scoring at least 2 goals in each game.
Brighton
These sides are not too far apart geographically and this is considered a derby and one that both sets of fans are very passionate about. While they haven't met so much in recent seasons, there is no doubt that this will be another game full of passion and also one that is very important for Brighton to show they are a contender for promotion this season.
Brighton are 7th in the Championship which means they are just out of the Play Off places in the Division, but they are just 7 points off top spot and can cut the gap between themselves and Crystal Palace in half. The side have a 4-3-2 away record this season, scoring 12 goals and conceding 9 in those games.
While Palace may be receiving most of the attention going into this derby, the fact of the matter is that Brighton are unbeaten in their last 7 games. Brighton have had just 1 loss in their last 8 away games, although their 1-2 win at Huddersfield last time out is the only win they have had in their last 5 away games.
Head to Head
Brighton have had the recent bragging rights in this derby when the game has been played at Selhurst Park as they are unbeaten in their last 2 visits to the ground.
However, Crystal Palace have recorded back to back wins in Brighton in that time and did beat Brighton 5-0 here ten seasons ago.
Prediction
This is a tough game to predict because Crystal Palace have been flying at home in recent games, while Brighton have been very tough to beat on their travels.
Both teams will feel they can cause the other problems and I think backing the over 2.5 goals at a little under odds against is the best way to get involved.
Palace have scored at least 2 goals in each of their last 6 at home, while Brighton haven't kept too many clean sheets. However, the Seagulls have been scoring on their travels too and you just know Ian Holloway will not be telling his side to sit back in this game and so taking the over looks the call.
The Pick :
Crystal Palace 2-2 Brighton
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.95
