Eng. Championship
2008-05-04 - Crystal Palace vs Burnley
A Sports Betting Pick by Footie Addict
England, Championship
Sunday 4th May 2008 - KO 14:00
With the last place in the playoffs currently being held by Crystal Palace, can they hold onto their place? Up against Crystal Palace is Burnley who have a decent 9-5-8 record on the road, but nothing to play for.
Crystal Palace is one of a couple of teams in this division that have soared up the table since the turn of the year – Hull & Sheffield Utd have risen quickly of late too. Crystal Palace are just one point clear of the chasing pack including Wolves, Ipswich and Sheffield Utd, and will know that a win here is essential to their chances, as failure is almost certain to let one of the chasing pack take their play-off spot.
Crystal Palace’s home record is not especially impressive (8-9-5), but they have improved so much since the turn of the year, they were lower mid table for much of the season. Crystal Palace have only lost 1 of their last 11 league games, that being a very tough fixture away to Hull last week (1-2).
Palace have also won 3 of their last 4 at home, beating Scunthorpe 2-0, Barnsley 2-0, and Colchester 2-1. While these three sides are at the wrong end of the table, they have also managed to beat both Watford and Stoke away – so they are good enough to beat Burnley.
Burnley have been a mixed bag all season, with some good and some poor results. However, their end of season form has produced a noticeable dip, with only 3 wins from their last 11 games, though they did win their last away game vs struggling Southampton 1-0. Despite this good away record, they have lost their prevous 3 away games (before Southampton), 2-0 vs Norwich, 2-1 vs Preston and 2-0 vs Hull.
The motivation for Crystal Palace is huge here – if they win they have a realistic shot of Premier league football via the playoffs. A win 100% garuntees their playoff position. If they lose, they are almost certain to be overtaken by Wolves, Ipswich or Sheffield Utd (only 1 would have to win). Simply losing is not an option. Burnley have absolutely nothing to play for, no playoff or relegation possibilities, and no home fans to impress.
Crystal Palace Form (most recent first)
L 1-2 vs Hull (A)
W 2-0 vs Watford (A)
W 2-0 vs Scunthorpe (H)
W 2-1 vs Stoke (A)
D 0-0 vs Blackpool (H)
D 2-2 vs Sheffield Wednesday (A)
W 2-0 vs Barnsley (H)
D 1-1 vs West Brom (A)
W 2-1 vs Colchester (H)
Burnley Form (most recent first)
D 3-3 vs Cardiff (H)
W 1-0 vs Southampton (A)
L 1-2 vs Sheffield Utd (H)
L 1-2 vs Norwich (A)
W 2-1 vs Barnsley (H)
L 1-2 vs Preston (A)
L 1-3 vs Wolves (H)
W 1-0 vs Charlton (H)
D 1-1 vs Stoke A)
L 0-2 vs Hull (A)
Crystal Palace have better recent form, far greater motivation, an absolute need to win at all costs (they’ll be overtaken by Wolves even if they draw), while Burnley have no need for the points, nor a home crowd to entertain.
The Verdict
All signs point to a Crystal Palace win in my opinion – let’s just hope they continue their good form.
