Crystal Palace v Bristol City Preview
Posted on | March 9, 2010 | No Comments
It wasn’t so long ago that these two clubs were battling away in the play offs yet now, things have changed hugely. Crystal Palace face a massive fight to stay in the division after being placed in administration, while Bristol City’s heavy investment in the transfer market over the past couple of years hasn’t paid off and the club are languishing in a disappointing 15th position.
Crystal Palace were one of the numerous teams in the country to suffer a ten point penalty after being placed into administration and for that reason, they have the sympathy of many supporters across the nation. Had they not incurred that deduction they would have been looking at the play offs but instead they are just out of the drop zone and that is only due to goal difference. Despite their problems, recent results have been promising and following a 1-1 draw with Doncaster, the Eagles beat promotion hopefuls Sheffield United 1-0 in their last outing. That was Paul Hart’s debut game in charge and with the former Nottingham Forest boss having plenty of experience at this level, supporters of the Selhurst Park outfit will be hoping that he can save them from the drop.
Bristol City are another side who don’t seem to be making progress and that must surely be something that frustrates the Ashton Gate faithful. While Gary Johnson has done a grand job in establishing the club in the division, many big name signings just haven’t paid off and after reaching the play off final a couple of years ago, the club seem to have gone backwards. At the moment they sit in 15th position on forty two points – ten points away from the top six. That suggests that the play offs are well and truly off the agenda this year and Johnson should concentrate on getting to the fifty point barrier which should secure their status in the division.
As for team news, the home side just have the one concern as Neil Danns faces a fitness battle. The former Birmingham man has been struggling with a back problem and at the moment it seems unlikely that he’ll feature in this encounter. Bristol City on the other hand have a few more problems and Gary Johnson will be without Evander Sno and Marvin Elliott who are suffering with back and knee problems respectively. Elsewhere, Johnson will continue to be without Brian Wilson, Jamie McCombe and Jamie McAllister.
As for a prediction, we’re going to go for the home win. Palace will still be under the “new manager syndrome” and will be in high spirits following their victory at the weekend. During tough periods off the field players seem to up their game and we think this could help Paul Hart’s men to a 2-0 victory.
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