Crystal Palace vs Burnley Preview
Crystal Palace embark on a new journey under the stewardship of Oliver Glasner, the former Eintracht Frankfurt manager, following Roy Hodgson’s departure.
Glasner’s tenure begins with a seemingly favourable matchup against Burnley, a team Crystal Palace defeated 2-0 in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
That victory had propelled Palace into the top half of the league standings, but recent struggles have seen them inch closer to the relegation zone, with only five points separating them from the league’s bottom three.
Crystal Palace on a Quest for Consistency
Despite a challenging season, Crystal Palace showed promise in their recent 1-1 draw against Everton. However, their immediate challenge lies in breaking a three-match winless streak at home against Burnley (D1, L2).
History is on Glasner’s side, though, as he has a track record of winning his first game in charge at three of his last four clubs. Palace fans will hope this trend continues, offering a much-needed boost in their fight for Premier League survival.
Burnley Facing an Uphill Battle
Burnley’s season has been marred by setbacks, culminating in a 5-0 defeat to Arsenal, their heaviest loss of the campaign.
With the team firmly rooted in the relegation zone, manager Vincent Kompany remains optimistic about their survival chances.
Yet, with only 13 points after 25 games, Burnley faces a daunting task, as no team with such a record has ever managed to stay in the top flight. Despite these challenges, Burnley’s slightly better away record offers a sliver of hope for improvement.
Key Players to Watch
Palace full-back, Tyrick Mitchell, known for his late goals, scored in the reverse fixture against Burnley. His defensive prowess and potential threat in the attacking third will be crucial for Palace.
Elsewhere, Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, despite the team’s struggles, has been a standout performer, joining the elite group of Premier League goalkeepers with at least 100 saves this season.
Key Stat
A notable trend in the recent head-to-head encounters between these two sides at Selhurst Park is the scarcity of both teams scoring, with only three of the last 15 meetings ending with goals from both teams.
As Crystal Palace and Burnley prepare to face off, both teams find themselves at critical junctures of their seasons. For Palace, this match presents an opportunity to distance themselves from the relegation zone and start the Glasner era on a positive note.
Burnley, on the other hand, face a formidable challenge in their quest for survival. This encounter is more than just a game; it’s a battle for Premier League survival, making it a must-watch for fans and neutrals alike.