Two leaky backlines meet in the capital
Crystal Palace welcome Leeds United on Saturday afternoon in aiming to bounce back from their rather sickening 2-1 defeat at home to Chelsea last time out.
The Eagles were very unfortunate not to see Thiago Silva sent off for the Blues after taking the lead through Odsonne Edouard, before Conor Gallagher, who spent last season on loan in South London, won it in additional time with a spectacular strike from range.
Leeds United have made a promising start to the season under Jesse Marsch and look set have a more comfortable campaign than their final day survival last time around.
It will be interesting to see how a struggling Palace backline cope with the Whites’ intense pressing style of play.
Process
Palace have conceded 11 from 15.0 expected goals (xG) against so far, but it is important to remember that they have played Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
That said, their solidity at the back has not been of the same standard that it was last term, meaning that Marc Guehi is under pressure to perform to improve his chances of going to the World Cup with England.
Leeds have a negative process as well as Palace, but are still getting some new signings up to speed in what remains one of the smaller squads in the division.
Palace did not make lots of signings in the summer window having performed very encouragingly in their first season under Patrick Vieira, but they remain a threat in the final third and will be confident of imposing themselves on an energetic Leeds side at Selhurst Park.
The Whites have been better in both boxes so far this season, but the Eagles should be able to take something from their impressive performance against Chelsea despite the defeat.
Goals?
My angle for this fixture is pro-goals, I cannot trust Palace to keep a clean sheet given their record so far this term, but they have the firepower to kick on towards a much-needed three points.
Palace have scored in six of eight.
Palace have conceded in six of eight.
Palace have seen both teams score in five of eight.
Palace have seen over 2.5 goals in three of eight.
Leeds have scored in six of eight.
Leeds have conceded in six of eight.
Leeds have seen both teams score in five of eight.
Leeds have seen scored in five of eight.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
2-1 Palace, BTTS in by the 24th minute.