Middlesbrough v Crystal Palace Preview

Posted on | February 4, 2012 | No Comments

It was only a few weeks ago that both of these sides were sat in the top six positions. However, now just one of them is up there, with Crystal Palace experiencing some poor form over recent weeks which has sent them down into 15th. Middlesbrough’s promotion charge is still on-going though, with Boro approaching this fixture sat in 5th position.

Even though Middlesbrough are still sat in their lofty position, it would be fair to say that they have hardly strengthened their place over recent weeks. In fact, having come so close to the automatic positions several weeks ago, many of their supporters will be bitterly disappointed with their current placing. While Tony Mowbray’s men did manage to grab a valuable point at Leicester during the week, prior to that they had lost three games in a row in the league and that is something which is clearly not acceptable for a side chasing promotion. Moreover, it is worth highlighting that Boro have been far from convincing at home for much of the season, with the Riverside outfit ranked 14th in the home form table for the Championship.

Crystal Palace have experienced something of a rollercoaster season and even though the Eagles were tipped to struggle, they have more than held their own for much of the campaign. Dougie Freedman’s men reached the semi-final of the Carling Cup last week, although it could be said that their progress in that competition has hindered their league form. A couple of months ago the Selhurst Park outfit were up in the top six places, although since then their form has slipped and they are now down in 15th. The Eagles have won just one out of their last six in the league, while they have also lost their last two games on the road. Their supporters may be slightly upbeat ahead of this game though, after the club rebuffed several multi-million pound approaches for young striker Wilfried Zaha on transfer deadline day.

As for team news, Middlesbrough could have a couple of problems in the strikers department with Scott McDonald out with a knee ligament damage and Marvin Emnes poised for a late fitness test. Crystal Palace on the other hand could hand Paddy McCarthy a start, after he completed his suspension. Elsewhere, injury continues to keep out Jonathan Williams, but Dougie Freedman will at least be able to select Dean Moxey after he fully recovered from a knee problem.

Middlesbrough may have been struggling in recent times, but we think they’ll have just enough in them to beat their opponents in this clash. Palace have also recorded some poor results in recent weeks and with Boro holding the home advantage, our tip is a 2-1 victory for the Riverside Stadium outfit.

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5. Crystal Palace v Bristol City Preview

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