Place in the top nine on offer at Selhurst Park

Burnley travel to South London as they take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park

Palace and Burnley both have 42 points to their name so far, however Palace’s superior goal difference puts them one position higher than the Clarets.

Burnley’s most recent game was a win at home against Watford, thanks to a second-half goal from Jay Rodriguez. Crystal Palace, on the other hand, suffered a devastating 4-0 loss against the now crowned champions, Liverpool.

Despite the thrashing at Anfield, Palace have been on a scintilating run of form, winning four of their last six matches.

Burnley have also had a purple patch too. Their 5-0 defeat at Manchester City last Monday was their only Premier League defeat in their last nine, which has seen the East Lanchashire side steer away from danger.

Victory for either side tonight would move them above Arsenal into ninth.

Team news

For the home team, Wilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke may recover in time for the game, after the duo suffered calf and thigh injuries, respectively. Vicente Guaita is expected to be fit for the Eagles too.

Robbie Brady, Chris Wood, Ashley Barnes and Johann Berg Gudmundsson all remain sidelined for Burnley, seriously impairing their attacking threat. Jay Rodriguez should be fit for the clash though, after a minor hamstring issue.

Roy Hodgson hopes to make his side a comfortable top half side

“The season we’ve had so far will give us momentum [for next season] whatever happens. The goal is to make certain we can try and establish ourselves as a top 10 team. I think we have an excellent chance at finishing in the top half. That is certainly our goal.“

Sean Dyche on whether injuries has plagued his side.

“It’s very rare it’s smooth sailing all the way through and this certainly hasn’t been. But we’re at 42 points with seven games to go. If we had a few more players back I think we’d be in very good shape.”

Head-to-head

The last five clashes between Crystal Palace and Burnley have heavily favoured the Eagles. Crystal Palace have won four and lost only one out of the last five games against Burnley. The earlier fixture between the clubs resulted in a 2-0 win for Crystal Palace, with goals from Wilfried Zaha and Jeffrey Schlupp.

 

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