Crystal Palace v Manchester City Betting Tip Both teams to score – Monday 6 March

Premier League Tips

Alan Pardew could not have wished for a better four months in charge at Crystal Palace. For a man who was under constant scrutiny at his previous club, the welcome from the support, and the form the Palace have been in under him, will have delighted the manager. They have slipped a place without having played a game due to Everton’s win on Saturday but for all intents and purposes, they will be playing Premier League football next season. With a 10 point cushion over third bottom Burnley – and with a game in hand – they can relax somewhat and enjoy the rest of the season without looking over their shoulders. It will also give Pardew an opportunity to assess some players as he looks to shape his squad for the new season.

It’s difficult to get away from how similar this season has went to that of Roberto Mancini’s final season in charge for Manchester City. When Mancini’s men won the title in 2012, the same squad of players bitterly disappointed the following year and it ultimately cost the Italian his job. Manuel Pellegrini took over and won the Premier League at the first time of asking but he has struggled to get the same level of performance from his players this season. With an ageing squad and key players failing to show their best on a consistent basis, City have put up another weak defence of the title they won last season. Although a win this evening would put them back into second, it is hard to envisage them finishing and higher than that.

Palace are the only club in the Premier League who have picked up more points away from home than at home, this season. Their win last time out away at Stoke was their fifth win in their last four away. It has been the most significant impact that the new manager has made during his time at the club. Before he arrived they have managed just one win on their travels. However, as positive as that is, it does raise a question of how good they are at home. Seven visiting teams have already won at Selhurst Park this season, managing just two wins in their last five home games.

The form of Arsenal and Manchester United, combined with how poor City have been in recent weeks see’s the current champions sitting in fourth place ahead of their encounter with Crystal Palace. What has been especially disappointing for them this season is their record against the other top clubs. They have managed only two wins in the seven games they have played against top five clubs. Their recent away form will also be a concern considering they have picked up one win from their last five matches on the road, losing their last two.

This game will have seemed like a long time coming for both these clubs having not played some the 21st of March. In that period both clubs have seen others leapfrog them in the table so there will be plenty at stake. I find it hard to be confident of either team winning this so have looked elsewhere for a wager. Both teams have scored in 10 of City’s 15 away games whilst the same number of Palace’s home games have also seen both sides find the net in one game less. I think the circumstances around the fixture also lend itself to being an open and exciting game so I’m happy to take the 4/5 that is widely available.

Both teams to score 4/5 @ Betfair