CRYSTAL PALACE reportedly gave veteran manager Roy Hodgson the dreaded vote of confidence last week, but anything other than a win over bottom club Sheffield United could spell curtains for the 76-year-old.
The Eagles are on a dreadful run of one win in their last 12 games in all competitions and were knocked out of the FA Cup by Everton before being dismantled by Arsenal in their last game.
The knives were well and truly out for the former England boss with Palace only five points clear of the relegation zone having played a game more than Luton.
So anything other than a win against the Blades would be unthinkable for Hodgson and the club, with Palace only winning two home league games all season.
Sheffield United look like they already require something of a footballing miracle to stay up after only two league wins all season. They are seven points away from safety.
They were unceremoniously dumped out of the FA Cup at the weekend with Brighton crashing five goals past them in Yorkshire. They have also been lamentable on the road with no wins and collecting two points out of a possible 30 on their travels.
How the bookies view it
Crystal Palace are odds-on but not prohibitively so at 4/6 with Coral.
Sheffield United are 5/1 with bet365 and the draw is 14/5 with William Hill.
Recent head to heads
Palace have already beaten Sheffield United this season at Bramall Lane back at the start of the season in August. And the capital club have won the last three meetings between the teams.
Players to watch
Crystal Palace striker Eberechi Eze could do with a goal having only scored once since November. He is 9/4 to score anytime with bet365.
Scotland international Oli McBurnie has scored a respectable four goals in just eight Premier League starts for Sheffield United and takes the penalties too. He is 9/2 to score anytime with bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
Despite a woeful record recently, Palace should have too much experience and strength in squad for the visitors, who look out of their depth in the top flight.
You couldn't be steaming into the hosts at 4/6, especially a team that haven't scored for their last three games. But they could edge a low scoring affair and the call is a home win and under 2.5 goals at a tempting 5/2 with bet365.
As bad as they have been, United only conceded two goals at Manchester City, two goals at Chelsea and one at Villa.
With so much at stake, it could easily be a slow burner – go for no goal before the 31st minute also with bet365 at 5/6.
This English Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Sheffield United will be played on Jan 30, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Crystal Palace vs Sheffield United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
