Crystal Palace vs Hartlepool Predictions

• There have been three goals in just five of Hartlepools 14 away league games this season.
• The hosts have a 33% win rate on home soil this season.
• Patrick Vieira may opt to give chances to fringe players as they focus on their EPL campaign.

Eagles back on the hunt

The Eagles come into this one having lost 3-1 at home to title-chasing Liverpool in the Premier League last time out, despite being the better side for large portions of the match. However, their attention is now on the fourth round of the FA Cup and they welcome League Two strugglers Hartlepool United to Selhurst Park. Palace will be keen to secure a victory here and doing so could act as a springboard for them to return to form in the league.

Hartlepool United managed a 0-0 draw away to midtable Exeter City last time out and it personified their approach to most of their road games this season. They look to make things tight, organised and try to frustrate their opponents. It’s due to this approach that the majority of their away games have seen fewer than three goals. Nobody is expecting them to travel to a Premier League outfit and cause an upset, but they’ll be keen to make a good account of themselves and make Palace work for it.

Not as many goals as anticipated

The market would suggest there will be a hatful of goals here, however, we think that the visitors will be looking to do what they do best, frustrate and make life difficult for the Crystal Palace frontline. We also think the price for the unders is a little too long and that’s where the value is. It’s highly unlikely that the visitors will get on the scoresheet but if they can keep it respectable, they’ll be happy. Crystal Palace should win a closely fought match here.