PREMIER LEAGUE analyst Dan McCulloch (@danmcc84) takes a look at Crystal Palace v Newcastle, which opens up Super Sunday.
Crystal Palace v Newcastle | Sunday 4th February 2018, 14:15 | Sky Sports
When Roy Hodgson took over as West Bromwich Albion manager he defied his reputation as a cautious manager, producing a side with attacking verve and speed and made them a stable, midtable side.
Crystal Palace fans will undoubtedly say that they are still in a relegation battle but there is no doubt that Roy has been a great appointment for The Eagles, producing an offensive side in much the same way as he did at The Hawthorns.
I expect the South London outfit to finish halfway up the table, with the former England coach continuing to bring the best out of Palace's attack-minded players. When Roy was Albion manager, 2-1 was his most common scoreline in victory and that trend has remained during his tenure at Palace, with four of their six victories this season coming in this manner. With that in mind, I believe the 17/2 SkyBet are offering on a 2-1 home victory represents good value.
The trials and tribulations at Newcastle have devoted many a column inch and whilst Palace are outsiders for relegation their concerns are far more immediate. Only goal difference separates The Geordies from the bottom three and their survival fight is likely to go right down to the wire.
I don't believe they will return north with any addition to their points tally but I do believe they are capable of getting on the scoresheet. Since Roy took over, seven of Palace's ten home games have seen both sides find the net. Newcastle have scored in seven of their last eight league games so I believe the 10/11 Hills are offering is too big a price to refuse.
I think the game will be more entertaining than the bookies believe and hopefully more profitable for punters.
Best Bets
Crystal Palace v Newcastle – Both Teams to Score (10/11 WilliamHill)
Crystal Palace v Newcastle – Crystal Palace to win 2-1 (17/2 Bet365)
