By Rockybiggs – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=38703623
This is the second straight season that Stoke have started poorly. Though they may complain that the fixture list has been tough on them, to be frank they’ve just not been good enough. As well as obvious defensive issues (conceding 10 goals from four games) they’ve really struggled going forward, recording just seven shots on target from their opening matches and their only two goals have come courtesy of a penalty and a free-kick.
Palace won just their third league game of 2016 away at the Riverside last weekend as they aim to gather some momentum for the remainder of the year. The Eagles last victory at Selhurst Park came against Stoke at the back end of last season; they actually did the double over the Potters. Since their return to the top flight in 2013/14 they hold a W4-D1-L1 record in this head-to-head, winning all three home games. They’re 1.95 to make that four in a row against Mark Hughes’ struggling side that have lost seven of their last 11 road games.
Last weekend Christian Benteke gave a glimpse to Palace fans of what he is capable of when provided with the right service. The Wilfred Zaha diagonal ball to the Belgian at the back post could be a blue print for Palace going forward this season and he can be snapped up at 2.38 to score anytime against a Stoke side that have gone 14 games without a clean sheet.
Best Bet: Palace to Win at 2.05
Match Specials
William Hill
