Crystal Palace v Leicester City – Betting Preview
Crystal Palace Summary
Without a win since New Years Eve and no shot on target for several matches, Palace had no option but to sack manager Patrick Vieira during the international break.
Perhaps more of a surprise was that they looked to Roy Hodgson as the replacement and one trusted to get them scoring goals again.
The 75-year-old former England, Liverpool and Fulham boss is well known for his focus on defending.
Most fans of those teams named above see Hodgson as a manager which brings a dull brand of football, not ideal for a team which isn’t hitting the target consistently.
Spinning this into a positive, however, it is a great time for any new manager to come in as Crystal Palace now have an easier run of matches ahead, starting with hosting a struggling Leicester on Saturday.
The atmosphere should be good in the stadium and the new manager should have the attention of the squad. This is a must-win game.
In terms of team news, Crystal Palace has close to their best team available. Hodgson is the only missing player for certain as Johnstone misses out.
There is however a small concern with Andersen and McArthur.
Leicester Summary
Leicester City has lost the last four out of their last five league matches and during that time, only scored twice.
This drop off in form saw them booed off after the 3-1 loss to Chelsea in their previous home game and the fans chanting for under-pressure boss Brendan Rodgers to be sacked.
Leicester improved to get a 1-1 draw with Brentford before the international break, but they begin this round of games in 17th place and just one point above the drop zone.
There is massive pressure on here, it’s a must not lose match. A draw is not a bad result but a defeat would spell disaster and likely see them back in the bottom three.
Team news-wise, Leicester has key men all fit including Maddison and Harvey Barnes.
The former should be confident after getting good minutes for England where he received excellent reviews for his performance in Italy.
The only notable absence is Tieleman’s who remains out once more. This leaves Mendy to play in the centre of the midfield.
Vestergaard is left out by Brendan Rodgers, while towering centre back Harry Souttar is a doubt with a knock sustained on duty for Australia.
Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first. Palace is the favourite @ 2.34.
The draw is @ 3.45 and Leicester to win is @ 3.05.
Moving onto the Asian handicap betting for this contest. The market cannot split them much at this stage and so the offer is a draw no bet. (DNB)
Leicester -0 is the outsider @ 2.07 and Palace -0 is @ 1.80. With the manager boost, the home side is the preference here.
Looking at The Under/Over goal betting last of all. The line is set at 2.25.
The Over is @ 1.90 and the Under is @ 1.92.
