Crystal Palace vs Sheffield United Match Preview
Tournament – Premier League
Date – Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Kick-off Time – 01:30 am IST
Venue – Selhurst Park
Crystal Palace have been far from their best this season under Roy Hodgson, leading to much criticism from fans and pundits. They sit 15th in the Premier League standings with five wins, 10 defeats, and six draws.
While the Eagles have had some injury issues, they have lacked consistency and failed to string good performances together. They were also recently eliminated from the FA Cup in the third round by Everton, who lost against Luton Town in the fourth round.
Sheffield United, meanwhile, have failed to cope with the Premier League in their first year of promotion. They sit at the bottom of the standings, with just two wins, 15 defeats, and four draws.
The Blades have won just once in their last seven games across competitions and Chris Wilder’s return as manager hasn’t coincided with an upturn in results.
They were also eliminated from the FA Cup, losing 5-2 against Brighton & Hove Albion in the fourth round.
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Team News
Crystal Palace are missing Jordan Ayew due to his participation at the AFCON with Ghana. They are also missing some key players due to injuries, including Michael Olise, Cheick Oumar Doucoure, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, Joel Ward, Nathan Ferguson and Rob Holding.
Sheffield, meanwhile, are without Lasser Larouci (Algeria) due to AFCON. Rhian Brewster is suspended for the game.
Chris Basham, Daniel Jebbison, John Egan, and Tom Davies are all out injured.
Possible Lineups
Crystal Palace:
Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson
Defenders: Nathaniel Clyne, Chris Richards, Joachim Andersen, Marc Guehi, Tyrick Mitchell
Midfielders: Will Hughes, Jefferson Lerma
Attackers: Eberechi Eze, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Jeffrey Schlupp
Sheffield United:
Goalkeeper: Wes Foderingham
Defenders: Jayden Bogle, Anel Ahmedhodzic, Jack Robinson, Auston Trusty
Midfielders: James McAtee, Gustavo Hamer, Vinicius Costa, Andre Brooks, Ben Brereton Diaz
Attackers: William Osula
Head-to-Head
The two sides have faced off seven times previously across competitions with Crystal Palace winning four times while Sheffield have won thrice. The Blades have beaten the Eagles just once in the Premier League.
Last five results:
Sheffield United 0-1 Crystal Palace – Premier League – August 12, 2023
Sheffield United 0-2 Crystal Palace – Premier League – May 8, 2021
Crystal Palace 2-0 Sheffield United – Premier League – January 2, 2021
Crystal Palace 0-1 Sheffield United – Premier League – February 1, 2020
Sheffield United 1-0 Crystal Palace – Premier League – August 18, 2019
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Prediction
Both sides have had a very poor 2023-24 season so far. Crystal Palace have failed to deliver under Roy Hodgson, whose future at the club is under immense speculation.
The Eagles have just one win in their last 12 games across competitions. They were hammered 5-0 by Arsenal at the Emirates in their last game.
Meanwhile, Sheffield United have just one win in their last seven games across competitions. They lost 5-2 against Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup fourth round in their last game.
There is little to separate between the two sides and this might end in a draw.
Predicted Score: Crystal Palace 1-1 Sheffield United
Odds (subject to change)
Crystal Palace win – 1.72
Sheffield United win – 6.55
Draw – 4.20
Odds source – Oddspedia.com
Players to Watch Out For
Crystal Palace
Eberechi Eze will likely be the key player for Crystal Palace. The attacking midfielder is known for his flair, creativity, and dribbling skills. He has scored three goals and provided three assists in 19 games across competitions this season.
With Jordan Ayew and Michael Olise absent, Crystal Palace will look for Eze to create for his side.
Sheffield United
For Sheffield United, Gustavo Hamer is the player to watch out for. The 26-year-old can play in multiple positions in midfield and makes Sheffield tick on the pitch.
He has scored three goals and provided four assists in 23 games across competitions. Hamer and James McAtee will look to make things happen for Chris Wilder’s side against Palace.
Where to Watch
India – Disney+ Hotspur website/app, Star Sports network
UK – Sky Sports
US – Peacock Premium