Plymouth v Crystal Palace Preview
This game features two sides with some of the worst form in the division, although only one is near the relegation zone. Plymouth’s dismal form of late has caused some fans to call for Paul Sturrock’s head, while five league defeats on the trot for Crystal Palace means that their play off push is well and truly over.
The last nineteen games have been miserable for Plymouth with the Pilgrims winning just three times and moving ever closer to the bottom three. After starting the season well and finding themselves in the play off positions, recent form has been disastrous and has resulted in a large section of supporters calling for Paul Sturrock’s dismissal. They were murdered 3-0 at home to Derby a couple of weeks ago before then losing 2-0 to lowly Charlton to pile on even more misery. Five points separate them from the bottom three although should this form continue, don’t be surprised if they find themselves fighting the drop come the end of the season.
As for Palace, well the last few weeks have been equally as miserable. They were another side who were on the brink of the play offs at one point yet similarly to Plymouth, their recent form has been woeful and that’s pushed them all the way down to 13th. Unlike the Pilgrims, there doesn’t look to be much chance of Neil Warnock’s men being relegated although now they’re eleven points from the top six, promotion looks a wild long shot as well. Having miraculously finished in the play offs last season this will be something that disappoints the Selhurst Park faithful and the aim now surely has to be to just finish in the top half. Having lost to lowly Charlton and Blackpool in recent weeks, Warnock knows how important it is not to throw away more points to the sides that a team like Palace really should be beating.
As for team news, there’s not much to report for Plymouth who have been boosted with the return of Mat Doumbe from suspension. However, other than that it’s quiet for the Pilgrims, although Paul Sturrock has thrown massive hints out that he will be making major changes following recent bad form. Crystal Palace on the other hand have slightly more to deal with as Nick Carle begins a one match suspension while Paddy McCarthy won’t feature due to a shoulder problem. However, Neil Warnock may be able to call on Neil Danns who is looking to shake off an ankle problem.
As for a prediction, we’re going to go for a Palace win. Both sides are in poor form but with Palace possessing more quality on paper, we think they’ll snatch the spoils – 2-0 away win.
