Premier League Gameweek 16
Dec 28, 2020 3.00pm
1
1
HT : 0 0
FT
  • Wilfried Zaha 58' goal
  • yellowcard Hamza Choudhury 51'
  • goal Harvey Barnes 83'

Preview: Crystal Palace vs. Leicester City - prediction, team news, lineups

Crystal Palace vs. Leicester - prediction, team news, lineups

Leicester City square off against Crystal Palace on Monday afternoon on the back of claiming a 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Boxing Day.

Meanwhile, Palace welcome the Foxes to Selhurst Park having conceded 10 goals during defeats to Liverpool and Aston Villa.


Match preview

Despite only earning a share of the spoils in their previous match, Leicester were the happier of the two sides after twice coming from behind to claim a point at the King Power Stadium.

United were guilty of failing to take their opportunities in the final third, but Brendan Rodgers's side fully deserved a result which kept them above their opponents in the standings.

With trips to London and Newcastle United to come, it was important that the Foxes gained a result which ensured that they remained in the mix in the top six.

Nevertheless, Rodgers will not use the relentless schedule as an excuse for a drop off in performance level, and the Northern Irishman will expect at least one win from the next double-header.

Providing that he remains in the starting XI, Jamie Vardy will be looking to extend his run of netting in away matches to four games.

Although his side faced a tough run of games, Roy Hodgson would have been confident of collecting points on the back of a ruthless 5-1 win at West Bromwich Albion.

However, heavy defeats have followed the draws with Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United, leaving the Eagles to pay attention to some of the teams below them in the standings.

Palace remain seven points above the relegation zone, but a third defeat in succession would leave Hodgson with decisions to make during the transfer window.

The London outfit have claimed just five points from their last half a dozen games on home territory, a run which needs to improve heading into the second half of the campaign.

Crystal Palace Premier League form: LWDDLL

Leicester City Premier League form: LWWLWD


Team News

Leicester could potentially revert to a back three, with Christian Fuchs being recalled and James Justin switching to left wing-back to help cope with the threat of Wilfried Zaha.

Having recently returned from injury, Timothy Castagne is unlikely to start two games in 48 hours, while Ayoze Perez and Cengiz Under could feature in the final third.

As for Palace, Jordan Ayew or Michy Batshuayi are likely to take the place of Christian Benteke in attack.

Andros Townsend could get the nod over Eberechi Eze, but Gary Cahill is unlikely to be deemed fit after a hamstring injury.

Crystal Palace possible starting lineup: Guaita; Ward, Kouyate, Dann, Van Aanholt; Townsend, Milivojevic, McArthur, Schlupp; Zaha, Ayew

Leicester City possible starting lineup: Schmeichel; Fofana, Evans, Fuchs; Albrighton; Ndidi, Tielemans, Justin; Perez, Under; Vardy


We say: Crystal Palace 1-2 Leicester City

While each manager is likely to tinker with his starting lineup, we do not feel that it will make any difference to the end result. Leicester's squad depth has been proven in the Europa League, and the Foxes could adapt to the short turnaround much better than their hosts.


Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 1.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 1.5:data


Video prediction

Watch the Sports Mole Football Shorts prediction for this game below:


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POLL
Who will win Monday's Premier League clash between Crystal Palace and Leicester?
Crystal Palace 13%
Draw 10%
Leicester City 76%
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