2016 FA Cup Final – Crystal Palace Team Preview / Predictions

Crystal Palace (+335)

Team Strengths:

Where would Crystal Palace be without Wilfried Zaha? The Englishman has provided the impetus for the Eagles’ dream FA Cup run this season, single-handedly dragging Crystal Palace to the final of the world’s oldest soccer competition. He scored the winners against Southampton and Stoke in the early rounds before setting up Martin Kelly’s goal against Premier League powerhouse Tottenham at White Hart Lane in the round of 16.

He continued his excellent form in the semifinal win against Watford, baffling the Hornets with his speed and skill. The Eagles will need more of the same from Zaha this coming Saturday if they are to unlock a Manchester United defense that conceded the fewest number of goals in the Premier League this campaign.

Team Weaknesses:

The one thing that has pulled Crystal Palace back this season is their fragile backline. They ranked 10th in the Premier League in scoring defense, allowing a whopping 51 goals this season. It’s paramount that they get their defensive shape correct against a United side that has already scored 12 goals in the FA Cup this campaign, the second-best mark in this year’s tournament.

The Eagles must play deep and cautious counter-attacking football to combat the Red Devils this weekend. Palace boss Alan Pardew can ill afford to play a high defensive line as that will be exploited by the speed of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial. That being said, the Eagles will fancy their chances of stopping the Red Devils as they have fared extremely well on the defensive end in this tournament thus far. They have recorded three clean sheets in this year’s FA Cup, shutting out Stoke, Tottenham and Reading.

Team Stats (During FA Cup):

Category | Stat
Goals Scored Per Game | 1.6
Goals Conceded Per Game | 0.4
Goal Attempts Per Game | 12.8
Shots on Goal Per Game | 4.8
Ball Possession Percentage | 44.6%

Starting Lineup: (4-3-3)

Position | Name (Age) | Career Appearances (Crystal Palace) | Goals
Goalie | Wayne Hennessey (29) | 33 | 0
Defender | Joel Ward (26) | 128 | 3
Defender | Scott Dann (29) | 84 | 8
Defender | Damien Delaney (34) | 138 | 6
Defender | Pape Souaré (25) | 43 | 0
Midfielder | Mile Jedinak (31) | 164 | 10
Midfielder | Yohan Cabaye (30) | 33 | 5
Midfielder | James McArthur (28) | 60 | 4
Winger | Wilfried Zaha (23) | 49 | 5
Winger | Yannick Bolasie (26) | 132 | 12
Forward | Dwight Gayle (25) | 63 | 15

Writer’s Prediction

Crystal Palace (+335) fall short in their bid to win the FA Cup as they lose 2-0 to Manchester United in the final.

Create a betting account now and cash in on all the exciting soccer action!