PL PREVIEW: Crystal Palace v Burnley

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Build-up: No substitute for experience as Clarets head to Selhurst Park

2021-02-12T14:42:25.478Z

PL PREVIEW: Crystal Palace v Burnley

Build-up: No substitute for experience as Clarets head to Selhurst Park

2021-02-12T14:42:25.478Z

Build-up: No substitute for experience as Clarets head to Selhurst Park

There will be no shortage of experience on show when the Clarets face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Palace - with 73-year-old Roy Hodgson in charge - have utilised the oldest average starting team in the Premier League this season at 29 years and 203 days.

And the Clarets are just behind them in second spot with an average of 28 years and 271 days.

That know-how has helped Burnley establish a foothold in the top-flight and compete again this season in search of a sixth successive season in the Premier League.

Finances have also dictated the Clarets’ make-up, but boss Sean Dyche is happy with the blend at his disposal as his side aims to close the gap on Palace and move further away from the relegation places with a third away win of the season.

“It’s a situation that’s kind of grown on clubs like ourselves when we’ve got very good players, very good professionals,” said the Burnley boss.

“They know what they’re doing and they increase our chances of playing well and performing in the Premier League, I feel.

“Then if we adjust that with players like Dwight McNeil, Josh Brownhill and, to an extent, Charlie Taylor, they develop the team further than just some of the older players who do very well for us.”

Team news

The Clarets could have midfielder Josh Brownhill back after missing four games with a foot injury.

Goalkeeper Nick Pope and midfielder Jack Cork are also expected to be fit and Erik Pieters is eligible after suspension kept him out of the mid-week FA Cup exit.

PL PREVIEW: Crystal Palace v Burnley - Image 2

Charlie Taylor and Robbie Brady will face fitness checks, while striker Chris Wood remains a doubt.

Palace will be missing top scorer Wilfried Zaha, as well as defenders Jeffrey Schlupp and James Tomkins.

Midfielders James McArthur and James McCarthy are also ruled out but defender Joel Ward returns to the Eagles’ squad.

Palace will also have assistant manager Ray Lewington back on their bench following his recovery from Covid-19.

Form guide

The Clarets have taken seven points from their last five league games.

They have beaten Crystal Palace 1-0 in their last two meetings.

Palace have won two of their last three league games but taken all three points just four times in 14 games since losing at Burnley in November.

Roy Hodgson’s side, who lost at 2-0 Leeds United on Monday night, have won four times at home so far this season.

Opposition camp

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson: “Burnley are a difficult team to play against because they’re very well organised. They have their game plan and they always execute it so well.

“They’ve been doing it for a long time and they have great confidence in it, and it has given them good results.

“It’s always hard to score goals against Burnley. That’s why they do so well in the league.

“If you’re so good defensively you’ve always got a chance, because if you keep the game at 0-0, all you need is a goal and you get all three points.”

Match stats

The Clarets have beaten Crystal Palace five times in the Premier League. Only Bournemouth, with six losses, have tasted defeat at the hands of Burnley more often.

PL PREVIEW: Crystal Palace v Burnley - Image 4

Ashley Barnes and Jay Rodriguez have scored three times for Burnley against Palace. No player has scored more goals for the Clarets against Saturday's opposition.

Burnley forward Matej Vydra scored his first goal in English football at Selhurst Park - a last-minute winner for Watford in a 3-2 win over Palace in August 2012.

The Clarets have lost only one of their seven matches against teams in the bottom eight of the table, winning three and drawing three.

Burnley haven’t scored in the first half of any of their past seven league games.

Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson will be in charge for his 350th Premier League match – the 10th manager to reach that milestone.

Palace will be missing the injured Wilfried Zaha and have lost 17 of their past 19 league games without him, failing to score in 15 of those defeats.

The Eagles have conceded 39 league goals this season – the highest tally apart from West Bromwich Albion.

Referee

Michael Oliver

VAR

Jarred Gillett

Kick-off

Saturday 3pm

Broadcast