Brighton v Crystal Palace (1945GMT, BT Sport 2)
There was not much to write home about when this pair shared a dour 0-0 draw at the Amex Stadium at the end of November in the Premier League but perhaps the "magic of the Cup" will provide a spark on the south coast.
As both managers admitted after that recent encounter, neither really deserved to take all three points but an honourable stalemate at least allowed the Seagulls to bounce back from a narrow defeat to Manchester United.
The result was far more significant for Palace with relatively new manager Roy Hodgson still getting his feet under the table and a run of eight games since has seen them lose only once in a rattling good effort at home to Arsenal just after Christmas.
Brighton, on the other hand, have managed just one victory in the same period and are in the midst of a pivotal period in terms of top-flight survival.
They twice took the lead on New Year’s Day at home to Bournemouth only to see the advantage pegged back with Chris Hughton well aware that draws – they are tied for second-most in the top flight on eight – need to be converted into maximum hauls if they are to avoid getting sucked towards the drop zone.
All of that takes a back seat for one night though and I like Palace to extend their good recent record away from Selhurst Park, which now stands at five games on the bounce without defeat.
If ever you need to see an example of a manager having a positive influence then look no further than that recent run for Palace.
Hodgson clearly goes into every game with the belief it is there for the taking – some obviously easier than others – and his insistence on trying to make something happen has at last got through to the players bearing in mind this was a team that did not have a Premier League goal to their name on the road until December 16!
Palace are having a difficult spell with injuries with Scott Dann and Jason Puncheon the latest long-term casualties and for that rather unfortunate reason, I reckon the visitors are now plenty battle-hardened adapting to changes within the ranks.
In the opposing camp, Hughton seems sure to utilise the depth of his squad and that should mean a little extra disruption for the canny Hodgson to exploit and ensure they get some sort of positive result out of the fixture.
That could well be a win but I will take a slightly less brave option and go with a rare but rock solid 1/2 poke on the visitors in the Double Chance market.
Prediction: Brighton 0-1 Crystal Palace
Recommended bets:
3pts Draw/Crystal Palace in Double Chance market v Brighton at 1/2
Posted at 1405 GMT on 05/01/18
Related links
