Eng. Championship
2013-05-10 - Crystal Palace vs Brighton
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Football : English Championships Playoff
Venue: Selhurst Park
Friday 10th May 2013 – Kickoff time 19:45
Match Preview :
Friday night action comes from the Championship as Crystal Palace (5th) takes on Brighton (4th) at Selhurst Park in the first of their two part playoffs. In the final standings, just one place and what separates these two sides. Brighton will feel confident after Palace alarming slip in form towards the end of the season. However, the Eagles did manage to win their final match of the campaign to ensure a play-off spot, which will no doubt be a big boost for their confidence.
It should be noted that three years ago Ian Holloway led Blackpool up to the Premier League via the play-offs and he will now be looking to do the same with Palace. The fact that they did beat Peterborough was actually their first win since early March, but it was good enough to put them in the top six and with it a chance to return to the Premiership for the first time since 2005.
Palace scored three goals against Peterborough, including a late double which secured their playoff place while at the same time they relegated Peterborough. However, goals have been hard to come by in recent months, considering that they have failed to score in any of their five matches between March 17 and April 20.
But it should not be forgotten that they do have the league's top goalscorer in their side in Glenn Murray, who has scored 30 goals so far this season, including Palace's first against the relegated club last weekend.
Crystal Palace is also strong at home this season. Out of 23 games played at Selhurts Park, they have only suffered 2 defeats, and only one in their last 22 games.
Meanwhile, Brighton had ended their season on a high and they head into the match unbeaten in their last nine matches. They have also won their last three matches coming into this tie. But the fact remains that they are the only one of the four play-offs teams who have never played in the Premier League, which could spur them on to go on and achieve their target of getting promotion.
Brighton under Gus Poyet have been difficult to beat. They have ended the season with the joint-fewest (6) league defeats on their travels. They will also be optimistic of scoring against a Palace defence that have conceded at least two goals in seven of their last 11 games before tonight's encounter.
Brighton will look to Ashley Barnes to score in this match with the other players such as William Buckley - who has two goals in three games can also be backed here. Also Kazenga Lua Lua scored both of Brighton's goals in their final day 2-0 win against Wolves so he will be another player to watch out for.
For the record, both teams managed 3-0 wins at home when they faced each other this season twice at home, but this match is likely to be more a tight affair and it is worth to back the Under 2 1/2 goals here.
Prediction:
Go for Under 2 1/2 goals here.
The Pick :
Crystal Palace 1-1 Brighton
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Go for Under 2 1/2 goals here.
