West Brom vs Crystal Palace: Preview & Prediction

Former Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis’ West Bromwich Albion side host the Eagles at the Hawthorns on Saturday evening knowing a win will move them above the visitors in the Premier League table.

Pulis guided Palace to a creditable 11th-place finish upon their return to the top-flight in the 2013/14 season, but left in the summer and subsequently joined the Baggies.

Albion, who have a comfortable eight-point cushion over the relegation places, have won just one of their last six league games – they were also knocked out of the FA Cup by Championship side Reading last weekend.

They were victorious in the Premier League a fortnight ago, however – Jonas Olsson’s goal gave them a 1-0 win at Everton – it was their only shot on target all match.

West Brom have won one, drawn one and lost one of their last three encounters with Alan Pardew’s men – their most recent meeting saw the Eagles triumph 2-0 at Selhurst Park back in October.

Pardew’s side have slipped out of European contention after a dismal run of form, which has seen them win one of their last 10 league matches and none for two months.

All of their victories this calendar year have come in the FA Cup – Martin Kelly’s strike last weekend saw the South Londoners triumph 1-0 against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

Team News:

Defender Craig Dawson recently signed a new contract to keep him at the Hawthorns until 2018, but he is only 50% likely to play on Saturday.

Gareth McAuley is likewise – he has to contend with a thigh strain, while James Morrison, Callum McManaman and Jonny Evans are all out.

Bakary Sako is rated 50-50 to return after a hamstring strain, while Papa Souare is suspended after being sent off against Watford a fortnight ago.

Emmanuel Adebayor scored his first goal for Palace in that game; meanwhile, winger Yannick Bolasie is pushing for a start after making his first appearance of 2016 as a sub against Spurs.

League Positions: West Brom – 14th (32 pts); Crystal Palace – 13th (32 pts)
Previous Meeting: Crystal Palace 2-0 West Brom – October 3, 2015
League Form: West Brom – DLDDLW; Crystal Palace – LLLLDL
Key Men: West Brom – Darren Fletcher; Crystal Palace – Wilfried Zaha
Shoot Says: West Brom 1-1 Crystal Palace