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Crystal Palace logo
Premier League
Oct 3, 2015 at 12.45pm UK
 
West Brom logo

2-0

Bolasie (68'), Cabaye (89' pen.)
FT(HT: 0-0)

Preview: Crystal Palace vs. West Bromwich Albion

Sports Mole previews all of the coming Premier League action as Crystal Palace welcome visiting West Bromwich Albion to Selhurst Park.

High-flying Crystal Palace welcome travelling West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League on Saturday as Alan Pardew's men go in search of a fifth win in eight league games.

Meanwhile, visiting West Brom will be looking to bounce back from Monday's frustrating defeat at home to Everton following a rather taxing start to the new campaign.


Crystal Palace

Yohan Cabaye of Crystal Palace celebrates as he scores their first goal from a penalty during the Barclays Premier League match between Watford and Crystal Palace at Vicarage Road on September 27, 2015© Getty Images

Palace boss Pardew could not have been much happier with his side's form in the early stages of the new season.

The South London club have won four from seven thus far, and were able to pick up a memorable away victory over Jose Mourinho's Chelsea in the process.

It looked as though Pardew's charges might have come unstuck following consecutive defeats against Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, but they bounced straight back to become the first side to beat Watford at home this campaign last weekend.

Palace were arguably the most astute performers in the summer transfer market as they brought in the likes of Yohan Cabaye and Bakary Sako, who have already shone early on. Pardew was also able to keep hold of in-demand winger Yannick Bolasie, who recently agreed a five-year contract extension at the club.

Such has been Palace's march of progress this season, Pardew has indicated that they could even challenge for a Europa League spot come the end of the campaign. If they are to do that, they will need to pick up points against the likes of West Brom.

Recent form: LWWLLW


West Bromwich Albion

Saido Berahino of West Bromwich Albiat The Hawthorns on (L) celebrates with team mates as he scores their first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albiat The Hawthorns on and Evertat The Hawthorns on at The Hawthorns on Se© Getty Images

West Brom boss Tony Pulis has had to endure a tough time of things following the transfer debacle surrounding key frontman Saido Berahino at the back end of the summer.

Added to that were his side's fairly lacklustre opening performances that saw the Baggies winless from their first three matches.

Credit to Pulis, however, given that he now seems to have got Berahino back on side after the striker scored the club's winner against Aston Villa two weeks ago.

It looked as though the Midlands club might be able to build on that hard-fought away victory, but they then went on to throw away a two-goal lead as they lost to visiting Everton on Monday night. Despite the loss, Baggies fans will surely be happy with the consistency of the controversial Berahino as he was able grab another goal in the defeat.

Given the character of Pulis, he will be eager to ensure that his team bounces straight back with a solid performance away at Palace as they look ahead to some promising fixtures in the coming weeks.

If West Brom are able to get something positive out of this weekend's away trip, the club will then have winnable fixtures against Sunderland, Norwich City and Leicester City to look forward to in hope of building a platform for the rest of the season.

Recent form: DLWDWL


Team News

Damien Delaney of Palace looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal on August 16, 2015© Getty Images

Palace are likely to be without Damien Delaney, Mile Jedinak, Connor Wickham and Joel Ward, who probably will not feature for the club again until after the break for international fixtures.

James McArthur could make a return at the expense of Joe Ledley, but Wayne Hennessey is expected to keep his place over fellow keeper Alex McCarthy.

Wilfried Zaha impressed in Palace's last game against Watford and could start on the wing, while Dwight Gayle should hold on to his spot in attack.

As for the visitors, Jonny Evans and James Chester are likely to feature at the back, while Jonas Olsson and Gareth McAuley remain doubtful through injury.

Berahino has come into form recently and should partner Salomon Rondon up front.

Crystal Palace possible starting lineup:
Hennessey; Souare, Dann, Hangeland, Kelly; McArthur, Cabaye; Bolasie, Puncheon, Zaha; Gayle

West Bromwich Albion possible starting lineup:
Myhill; Brunt, Chester, Evans, Dawson; McClean, Yacob, Fletcher, Morrison; Rondon, Berahino


Head To Head

The Baggies were able to rise victorious with a 2-0 away victory over Palace when the two clubs last met in the 2014-15 campaign. In the opposing fixture that season, the sides settled for a goalless draw at The Hawthorns. Things have been incredibly even across their last six fixtures, with each side winning two games and drawing the remaining two.


Video Preview

Hit play below to see what the Sports Mole Sofa had to say about this encounter:



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We say: Crystal Palace 2-1 West Bromwich Albion

Palace come into this game having battled back from two consecutive defeats to record a win away at Watford, and they will be confident of returning to Selhurst Park with another victory on Saturday. Pardew's men have been threatening down both wings and also have the clinical qualities of Cabaye going through the middle. West Brom have been poor at protecting leads so far this season and Palace will not feel under too much pressure if they concede the first goal at home.



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Written by
Christopher Dodd
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Dwight Gayle of Crystal Palace in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Selhurst Park on September 12, 2015
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