After their victory over Man United in the League Cup, Crystal Palace had to return to Selhurst Park and recover in timely fashion for their fixture with Derby County in the league. The Rams came to Selhurst Park on the back of a poor spell in the league, without a single point in five games.
The Eagles flew out the traps, Darren Ambrose who scored the opener at Old Trafford, had his effort on the edge of the box blocked, only to fall to Murray whose effort was well saved by Frank Fielding. An eighteen yard box scramble had Palace shouting for a penalty but the referee kept his hands by his side.
Palace's goal against United was a 35 yard screamer from Darren Ambrose but it was Chris Martin, Palace's loanee from Norwich City that opened the scoring. His effort from 20 yards finding the bottom corner of the net on the 15th minute, a slight deflection defying Fielding. Ben Davies gave Derby a shot on goal from a free kick, curving it round the wall along the ground but Julian Speroni gathered it well.
Ambrose is no stranger to a long range effort, after cries of "Shoot!" from the Red n Blue faithful the 27-year-old let rip with his lesser favored left foot and forced a good save from Frank Fielding.
With the first half looking like a Palace victory on the cards, Derby had some changes to make and as the second half got under way, The Rams charged. With McCarthy blocking one shot and Jedinak the other, Derby looked threatening. Palace's corner gave Murray a half chance and his glancing header was gathered up by Fielding.
Fifteen minutes from the end tragedy struck, Paul Green crossed the ball from the right, aiming for Ball but the Derby striker was beaten to the punch by Paddy McCarthy who's acrobatic attempt at clearing the ball only put the ball past Speroni and into the Palace goal, giving the visitors a vital point. Green played a big role for Derby and almost snatched all three points but for a fine save by Speroni.
Team News
Crystal Palace are without long term absentees Jonny Williams (leg), Lee Hills (knee) and Alex Marrow (ankle) as well as Dean Moxey and Sean Scannell, who picked up injuries in the clash with United, being doubtful.
Barnsley have two players to think about; James McEveley (knee) and Jacob Butterfield (foot) are concerns for Keith Hill but the Tykes' boss is confident they will both be fit for Tuesday night's game.
Preview
With a single goal keeping Crystal Palace above them, Barnsley will hope to continue their great run of form when The Eagles travel to Oakwell on Tuesday night. Crystal Palace are on the back of an unfortunate draw with Derby County and a shock win over Manchester United in the League Cup. Barnsley however have a more consistent form to boast at the moment, having won their last three, most recent of which was their thrilling 3-4 victory over one of the leagues high scoring teams, Peterborough, on Saturday.
History shows there is always little to choose between the sides having met 56 times, Palace only winning four less than Barnsley who have 25 wins on their side, trumping Palace's 21. All of the meetings have been in the league.
Palace's scoring record at Oakwell does not look good having only scored once in the last five trips, this solo goal came from Shefki Kuqi after just 8 minutes in 2009. The Tykes went on to win the fixture 3-1, one of the three being an own goal from Lee Hills.
However Palace will be boosted by their recent turn of luck after their win over United and the knowledge that the last time they met Barnsley they walked away with all three points, may hope to get on the score sheet early. Freedman says he always goes out to win a game but I'm sure the Scot wouldn't say no to a draw against an in-form Barnsley.
My CPFC line-up
Speroni
Clyne McCarthy (c) Gardner Parr
Wright Garvan
Zaha Ambrose Pedroza
Murray
Subs: Price, Ramage, Jedinak, KG, Martin
Barnsley's last six:
W-W-W-L-W
Last time out:
Crystal Palace 2-1 Barnsley
Danns (29') Harewood (43')
Vaughan (Pen, 75')
Match Facts:
- The two sides have never met in a cup fixture but met 56 times in the league: Barnsley 25-21 Crystal Palace.
- Crystal Palace have only scored one goal against Barnsley in their last five away meetings. Barnsley have scored six.
- The Eagles have scored an average of 1.11 goals away from home this season, conceding 1.33.
- The Tykes have scored an average of 1.33 goals at home, conceding an average of 1.
- Barnsley are the weakest defensively in the period of 61-75 minutes, conceding eight goals in this time frame this season. They are at their strongest offensively between 31-45 minutes, scoring seven.
- Crystal Palace have scored 2 goals in The Tykes weak point of the game, and conceded just one in their strong point.
- Both sides have conceded 8 goals in the 61-75 minute time slot. However, Palace counter-act this with eight goals scored in the final fifteen minutes of the game.
My Prediction:
Barnsley 2-2 Crystal Palace
Davies (2) Murray
Ambrose
No comments:
Post a Comment