CRYSTAL PALACE host Brighton in Monday night's clash from the Premier League. Chris Clark (@ChrisClark1975) shares his verdict.
Crystal Palace vs Brighton | Monday 27th September 2021, 20:00 | Sky Sports
Don't underestimate the rivalry between these two sides. It's fervent.
All stemming from when Palace and Brighton were chasing promotion in the mid 70's when Terry Venables and Alan Mullery were the Palace and Brighton manages respectively. The rivalry died off to a certain extent during the 90s, however was re-kindled in 2012 with the infamous “poo-gate” in the Championship play-offs between the two sides.
Brighton have got off to a splendid start this season, points-wise. Performances have been on par with last season, the difference this season, Brighton are taking their chances. However form goes out of the window in a derby.
Selhurst Park under lights, fans back for the first time for this derby. The place will be bouncing. Tackles will be flying in, and with Andre Marriner reffing, who has given 8 bookings in his 2 matches so far, I fancy that Marriner will keep up his average, and over 3.5 bookings with Bet365 is 11/10.
What a rivalry needs is a pantomime villain….so step forward Wilfried Zaha. He is hated by Brighton fans. Well in a rivalry the opponents best player is always targeted. However Zaha thrives on this. He has scored seven times in his career against the Seagulls, and has scored four times in the last four meetings at Selhurst Park.
In Zaha and Palace's last performance at Selhurst, he scored and got an assist in Palace's comprehensive victory against Spurs. With Zaha on penalties as well, the Palace wide-man is 14/5 to score anytime with William Hill.
It should be a feisty game at Selhurst Park in an excellent atmosphere.
Best Bets
Crystal Palace vs Brighton – Over 3.5 Cards (11/10 Bet365)
Crystal Palace vs Brighton – Wilfried Zaha to score anytime (14/5 William Hill)
