Premier League: Leeds Want to Guarantee Their Top-Flight Safety

Crystal Palace vs Leeds United

Leeds United have been hitting their stride and they’re keen on closing out this term with yet another guaranteed spot at the Premier League for next season.

Since Jesse Marsch replaced Marcelo Bielsa in late February, the Whites have been getting positive Premier League 2022 results, so they’re super close of achieving survival once again.

On Monday, they’ll take on a struggling Crystal Palace squad at Selhurst Park. The Eagles are currently above them in the standings at 14^th place with 37 points while Leeds are at 16^th with 33 points.

Jesse Marsch and Patrick Vieira will be crossing paths for the first time here in England after sharing numerous battles at the MLS.  In fact, Marsch recently admitted that he used to hate Vieira during their time in New York.

Given their history, we expect another tough battle between these two tacticians. So continue to read our SBOTOP preview for this match.

Talking Points

Crystal Palace look to recover from a slump

Patrick Vieira has done a superb job in his debut season with the Eagles considering the low expectations placed on his shoulders before their campaign began.

Under his tutelage, Crystal Palace have went to as far as the FA Cup semi-finals only to lose to Chelsea, and they’re likely to stay in the Premier League once again.

They’re currently on a slump of three consecutive losses in all competitions because they’ve had a harder time in finding the back of the net with several key players sidelined due to injuries.

Michael Olise’s services are sorely missed by the squad since he is their top creative outlet with eight assists so far. The 20-year-old Frenchman remains a doubt for Monday and they aren’t rushing him back. Another key absence is Nathan Ferguson, who remains a long-term absentee since he is dealing with a strained hamstring.

Central midfielder Luka Milivojevic, meanwhile, is in starting XI contention after being out against Newcastle United. However, he has struggled for regular game time under Vieira this season.

The trio of Wilfried Zaha, Conor Gallagher, and Odsonne Edouard should continue to lead their attack while Jean-Philippe Mateta will play an ancillary role.

Zaha has 12 goals and two assists, Gallagher has eight goals and five assists, while Edouard and Mateta both have six goals apiece and four assists combined.

Jesse Marsch has hit the ground running with Leeds United

Leeds United’s confidence are high following their 3-0 victory over Watford last Saturday where Raphinha, Rodrigo Moreno, and Jack Harrison all found the back of the net.

It was a solid bounce back performance from them after being held to a draw by Southampton the week before after squandering a one-goal lead.

The Whites have been bothered by injuries all season long, which is why they’re happy whenever they’d get some warm bodies back.

Jesse Marsch revealed that Patrick Bamford has taken part in first-team training recently, giving fresh hope that he’ll be fit against the Eagles. Bamford suffered a foot injury during their 3-2 win over Wolves last March.

His return couldn’t come soon enough as he is their top attacking threat as Dan James and Tyler Roberts don’t exactly fit in their starting striker role.

History

Leeds United have beaten Crystal Palace in their reverse fixture at Elland Road last December as Raphinha scored the lone goal via a penalty kick during added time.

At Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace are undefeated in their last five league games against Leeds United (W3, D2), winning this exact fixture last term with a 4-1 scoreline.

But prior to their 3-0 win against Arsenal earlier this April, the Eagles were winless in their last five league games at home (D2, L3). They haven’t won consecutive home league matches since March 2020.

In their last 10 games against each other, Leeds United hold the major edge with six wins, whereas Crystal Palace have won twice and drawn twice.

Betting Tip

Despite hitting a rough patch, Crystal Palace are favoured to win by the Premier League 2022 odds. They are installed at 2.05, while Leeds United are pegged at 3.40 and a draw is at 3.50 in the 1X2 market.

Their previous fixture might have been a low scoring affair, but we think that it would be the opposite this time around – making Over 2.25 @ 1.61 a strong betting option.

With valuable points up for grabs, the Eagles and the Whites are going to bring their A-game for this contest. So whatever the result is on Monday, the biggest winners in the end are the fans who will be watching at Selhurst Park.

 

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