Leeds United vs Crystal Palace
Leeds United’s ongoing search to pick up more Premier League points continues in midweek as they host Crystal Palace at Elland Road.
The Whites are still finding goals and wins hard to come by with star striker Patrick Bamford still sidelined due to an ankle injury. But they are fighting hard to pick up points and steer clear of the relegation zone.
They will now look to capitalise on visiting Crystal Palace’s recent wobbles. The Eagles have impressed under new manager Patrick Vieira, but they have dropped points in recent games that have kept them from rising higher in the table.
Talking Points
Leeds still adjusting amid injuries
Leeds United bounced back from their defeat to Tottenham Hotspur by holding Brighton to a goalless draw in their match over the weekend. They remain in 17th place in the table with 12 points, three clear of the relegation zone.
The Whites rode their luck a bit as the Seagulls hit the woodwork twice and had a 20-11 advantage in terms of total shots. But it was nevertheless a commendable defensive performance from Leeds, who kept just their second clean sheet of the season.
Marcelo Bielsa once again started England international midfielder Kalvin Phillips at centre-back with Luke Ayling and Robin Koch still out, but he decided to change it up again and eventually pulled both Phillips and left-back Junior Firpo at half-time.
The defence continues to be a challenge that Bielsa has yet to solve this season, and it remains to be seen what tactical adjustments the Argentine decides to go with against Crystal Palace.
The good news for Bielsa was that the attacking duo of Raphinha and Rodrigo Moreno were both fit enough to play after missing the Spurs match. Although, neither one was at his best against Brighton, nor was Daniel James, who is the latest Leeds player to start at centre-forward in Bamford’s absence.
Still, Leeds are undefeated in their last three games at home, with a win against Watford followed by back-to-back 1-1 draws against Wolves and Leicester.
Crystal Palace look to regain momentum
Crystal Palace have been one of the big surprises of the Premier League season thus far. Led by new coach Patrick Vieira, they currently sit in 10th place while playing some attractive, positive football.
But after defying the Premier League 2021 betting odds and beating reigning champions Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad coupled with another 2-0 win over Wolves, Palace have slumped to back-to-back disappointing results. They had a thrilling 3-3 draw with Burnley, then fell 2-1 at home to Aston Villa over the weekend.
However, there was some good news to come out of that loss to Villa as Eberechi Eze made his long-awaited return after his Achilles injury.
Eze can provide another much-needed option off the bench for Palace, especially after teenager Michael Olise struggled in a rare start against Villa.
Meanwhile, Conor Gallagher will look to get back on track after struggling to make Premier League 2021 highlights over the weekend. The young midfielder has four goals and three assists this season, including two goals and two assists in his previous three appearances prior to the Villa match.
History
Leeds have a 30-18 edge in terms of all-time wins over Crystal Palace, while they have drawn 16 times. In their last 10 meetings, the Whites have lost just twice to Palace.
However, the Eagles thumped Leeds 4-1 in their first meeting at Selhurst Park. But they got their revenge at Elland Road, where they won 2-0 thanks to goals from Jack Harrison and Patrick Bamford.
Betting Tip
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 | Leeds United vs Crystal Palace | 1X2 Leeds United @ 2.41 |
| December 1, 04:15 (GMT+8) |
SBOTOP odds have Leeds priced as slight 2.41 favourites to win this midweek clash over Crystal Palace, who are at 2.94. Meanwhile, a draw is at 3.20.
Based on Crystal Palace’s current form, Leeds have a great opportunity to pick up a much-needed victory at Elland Road. With the Eagles playing a more open game these days, the likes of Raphinha and Dan James should be able to find more spaces to exploit.
While it won’t be easy, look for Leeds to do just about enough to beat Crystal Palace at home by the odd goal.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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