Crystal Palace host Watford on Saturday at Selhurst Park. The Eagles are looking to win back-to-back games for just the second time this season. Since mid-December, Crystal Palace have been in good form winning three of their last five matches.
Watford, on the other hand, have lost just once in their last six games. Three of those matches ended in draws as Javi Gracia’s team has been unable to find a winning touch. Watford drew 3-3 with Bournemouth in their last league game. They gave up a two-goal lead allowing Bournemouth to come back and gain the draw.
Watford have obtained 13 points from 30 possible away from Vicarage Road. Gracia’s team has posted just a +1-goal difference on their travels. Watford don’t have any new injuries going into the weekend and should have their key players fit and ready to play. Hornets’ captain Troy Deeney is facing an upcoming suspension from the FA for his comments toward referee David Coote following their draw against Bournemouth. Deeney will be available for Watford’s trip to Selhurst Park, but he may soon be on the sidelines.
Selhurst Park hasn’t been the fortress it has typically been for Crystal Palace. The Eagles have won just twice at home and recorded nine points from 30 possible. They have scored just five goals at home, which is the lowest number for a team playing at home in the Premier League. The good news for Roy Hodgson is the team has conceded just nine goals at Selhurst Park. The low number of goals allowed is good for fourth and has Crystal Palace ahead of Manchester City, Arsenal, and Manchester United.
Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke is back in training following a knee injury. But the Belgian striker won’t be fit to face Watford. He is expected to be back by the end of the month.
The last six matches between Crystal Palace and Watford have seen two draws between the teams. Crystal Palace have won two games in that time with Watford gaining just one victory. The Hornets’ one victory came earlier this season. It was at a time when Watford were in tremendous form. However, they have cooled down greatly. Crystal Palace haven’t seen a lot of goals scored in their games this term. There have been fewer than 2.5 goals scored in their last 11 home league games.
Goals should be in short supply on Saturday when Watford head to Selhurst Park. Crystal Palace and Watford will both get goals, but the match will end in a draw with fewer than 2.5 goals scored.