Crystal Palace host Stoke City at Selhurst Park tomorrow hoping to capitalise on their recent good form.

The Eagles have fallen foul of a renowned bad spell since the turn of the year but now have four points from their last two games, with last weekend’s 2-1 win against Middlesbrough seen as a potential turning point for Alan Pardew’s side.

Meanwhile, The Potters have found themselves on a poor run of form of their own. Just two points from their opening four league games leaves boss Mark Hughes under pressure and his side - currently bottom of the league - are now desperate for points.

Change of fortunes for both clubs

Palace were once fourteen games without a win between December and April, but a very good transfer window and their first win of the new campaign last week, things are starting to look slightly more positive for the South Londoners.

A huge boost for the Eagles in the 2-1 victory at the Riverside Stadium last week was that club-record signing Christian Benteke grabbed his first goal for his new side. The striker, signed from Liverpool for a hefty £32 million, is seen as being the player who can win games for Palace and a goal early in his career at Selhurst Park will certainly help his confidence.

Meanwhile, Stoke’s form is rather surprising. Even more shocking is that their usually stubborn defence has already conceded ten goals in four league games this season. Hughes now faces a big battle to rekindle the form that saw his side finish ninth last campaign.

Head to head

The fixture spans back to 1921 and, in total, the sides have met 56 times in all competitions. Stoke have the edge, winning 18 while Palace have won 13.

However, Palace have the edge in recent years and actually beat tomorrow’s opponents three times last season. A 2-1 victory at the Britannia Stadium in December was their last win until they beat Norwich City in April, before a 1-0 success at Selhurst Park was part of the Eagles’ run to the FA Cup final. A Dwight Gayle brace – his last goals for the club – secured a 2-1 win in the penultimate game of the season.

Team news

Yohan Cabaye, Fraizer Campbell, Loic Remy and Pape Souare will all miss the game at Selhurst Park. A groin injury kept Cabaye out of last weekend’s game at Middlesbrough and it is expected that it will do the same against Stoke, while Faizer Campbell has been out since July with a hamstring injury.

Remy has gone back to parent club Chelsea for treatment on a thigh injury and is not expected back until November and Souare’s horrific car accident has led to injuries that will unfortunately keep him out for at least six months.

Xherdan Shaqiri (calf), Jack Butland (ankle), Ibrahim Afellay (knee) and Stephen Ireland (leg) will all miss the game for the visitors.

Crystal Palace predicted line-up: Mandanda; Ward, Dann, Tomkins, Kelly; McArthur, Ledley; Zaha, Puncheon, Townsend; Benteke.

Stoke City predicted line-up: Given; Cameron, Shawcross, Martins Indi, Pieters; Allen, Whelan, Imbula; Diouf, Bony, Arnautovic. 

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About the author
Sam Smith
VAVEL UK sub-editor. Premier League and Football League accredited journalist.