Crystal Palace vs Stoke City: Preview & Prediction

After an incredibly positive result away to Middlesbrough last week, Crystal Palace approach the game against the Potters with renewed confidence.

On the other hand, Stoke City have made a dreadful start to the new campaign, which was symbolised in their heavy 4-0 home defeat to Tottenham in their last game.

This fixture is no doubt going to be fuelled with passion and intensity as both sides look to be immediately under pressure in a season that is more competitive than ever.

Eagles boss Alan Pardew will be satisfied with the start that new-man Christian Benteke has made after his high-profile move from Liverpool this summer, as he opened his account at the Riverside stadium last time out.

Wilfried Zaha will also be looking to build upon his last performance as he was also integral to Palace’s creative attacking play.

Visiting manager Mark Hughes will be desperate for loanee Wilfried Bony to start scoring regularly, as his men find themselves bottom of the table with the worst goal-difference in the top-flight already.

However, the amount of key injuries in Stoke’s squad hasn’t helped their cause, and once their squad is at full strength, we might be able to see the performances we witnessed last term.

Hughes’ Stoke lie rock-bottom of the Premier League standings after four games – Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Team News:

Pape Souaré, Bakary Sako and Frazier Campbell are all suffering long-term injuries for the hosts, whilst Yohan Cabaye will miss out for at least another week after sustaining a groin injury on international duty.

For the visiting Potters; Xherdan Shaqiri, Jack Butland and Stephen Ireland remain sidelined for a few months, meanwhile Glen Johnson and Mame Biram Diouf will be doubts for this afternoon’s clash as they’re suffering from hamstring and thigh knocks respectively.

League Positions: Crystal Palace – 11th (4pts); Stoke City – 20th (1pt)
Last Meeting: Crystal Palace 2-1 Stoke City – (May 7, 2016)
Form: Crystal Palace – LLLDW; Stoke City – LDLLL
Key Men: Crystal Palace – Christian Benteke; Stoke City – Wilfried Bony
Shoot Says: Crystal Palace 2-1 Stoke City