Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace are in great form. They have won back-to-back games in the Premier League against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle United.
On Monday night, Crystal Palace head to Leeds United with both teams seeking wins to move closer to European qualification.
The Whites are coming off of a midweek 2-1 loss to Everton which ended a two-game winning streak in the Premier League. Leed United have blown hot and cold this season in the league. They have lost 10 games already while winning nine times.
Leeds United took nine points from their last 18 on offer. They outscored opponents 11-8 during that six-game run. Crystal Palace took 10 points from their last 18 on offer. They were outscored during that time 8-7.
The Whites’ home form has not been very good this season. They have lost back-to-back games at Elland Road and are –2 in goal difference at home.
Crystal Palace have taken 14 points from 33 possible away from Selhurst Park. They won just two of their last six away games.
The last time these teams met in the Premier League, Crystal Palace thrashed Leeds United 4-1. Scott Dan and Eberechi Eze both scored in the first half. Jordan Ayew added a third goal while Leeds United’s Helder Costa scored an own goal.
Marco Bielsa has six players on his injury list ahead of the match. Defender Diego Llorente remains out. Since moving to Leeds United, Llorente has spent much of his time on the injury list. Gaetano Berardi and Rodrigo are both ruled out as well.
Joining the three players on the ruled out list are Adam Forshaw, Ian Poveda, and Robin Koch. No return date has been given for any of the three players.
Hodgson has a remarkable 10 players on the injury list. Connor Wickham, Wilfried Zaha, Joel Ward, Jeffrey Schlupp, Mamadou Sakho, Wayne Hennessey, Nathan Ferguson, and James Tomkins are all ruled out. James McCarthy and James McArthur are both doubts to make the squad.
The long list of injuries could see Crystal Palace’s winning streak end. The Eagles have been good, but Leeds United should get back to winning ways at home.
Bielsa’s team may have lost to Everton in midweek, but they recorded back-to-back wins before that. Leeds United should win with over 2.5 goals being scored.