Eng. Championship
2013-02-02 - Crystal Palace vs Charlton Athletic
A Sports Betting Pick by Lamps
Football : England : Championship
Saturday 2nd February - Kickoff 3:00pm
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace had the weekend off which gives them the perfect preparation time ahead of Saturday's game. Palace are 2 points off second place and it's all to play for with 5 clubs separated by 3 points.
Holloway's side drew with Bolton (0-0) last time out but have only won 1 of their last 8 league games. 6 of the last 10 have ended in draws and unless they convert them into wins they won't finish in the top 2.
At home Palace are very strong currently on a 13 game unbeaten run which has helped them launch up the table. 3 draws in the last 4 has stopped their run but we they remain a strong threat when on their own patch.
The 0-0 with Bolton is their first goalless game at home in 15 going back into April of last season. 5 clean sheets in 8 is a very good record but 1 in 4 is concerning as the defence isn't as watertight as it was earlier in the season.
Charlton Athletic
Charlton Athletic lost to Sheffield Wednesday (1-2) at the weekend which leaves them in 12th place and 8 points off the playoffs. Visiting Palace isn't an ideal game for them but as it's a London derby it's sure to be a feisty affair.
This loss ended an excellent run of 3 straight wins for Charlton and it's their first loss in 5 league games. Many expected them to struggle this season but they have been excellent and with an 11 point lead above the drop zone it's hard to see them ending the year in the relegation mix.
Away from home the form is good with 2 wins at Watford (3-4) and Blackburn (1-2). Charlton have lost just 2 of their last 11 away games so they will fancy their chances of another upset this weekend.
6 goals in the last 2 away games has restored confidence to the side after their 3 blanks at Bolton, Sheffield Wednesday and Millwall. Palace are normally tight at the back but in recent weeks have conceded goals and that will inspire the visitors further.
Betting Verdict
Crystal Palace are odds on to win the game and I don't like this bet. I see both sides scoring meaning the hosts need a 3rd to take the points and at odds on I'm not keen to back them.
I'm backing Charlton +3/4 ball which pays out if the visitors avoid defeat and it's half a unit loss for a single goal Palace win. This gives us a lot of options to win on a side that has won it's last 2 away games.
Palace haven't lost at home for a long time but 3 draws in 4 is enough to put me off them. The extra time to prepare for Palace is a positive for them but I don't think this will be a blow out by any stretch. Charlton to take a point with some insurance if they lose by 1 is my play.
Good Luck
The Pick :
Crystal Palace 1-1 Charlton Athletic
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Charlton +0.75 AH at 1.91 PinnacleSports
