Burnley vs Crystal Palace: Premier League match preview

A look ahead to this weekend’s relegation battle at Turf Moor

Danny Ings celebrates scoring against Newcastle earlier this month (Getty Images)

With both sides precariously above the relegation zone, the term ‘must not lose’ springs to mind.

Alan Pardew enjoyed a dream start to his Palace return with a hugely impressive turnaround at home to in-form Spurs.

With each club unbeaten in their last three in the Premier League, having picked up five points across the New Year period, a victory is obtainable for each and it would be surprising to see either side settling from the get go with so much at stake. Three points could propel the winner to 12th.

Sean Dyche was unlucky not to give Tottenham the same pain Palace delivered, losing 4-2 in a pulsating FA Cup 3rd round replay at White Hart Lane following their 1-1 draw at Turf Moor. Burnley led 2-0 and will be disappointed to have not taken the game to at least extra-time after a breath-taking start.

Dyche will hope Danny Ings can add to his Premier League goal tally of six for the campaign. The England Under-21 international is the fifth highest English scorer this season and pushing for an England place, while Ashley Barnes has excelled in a supporting role offering Burnley great threat up front.

Palace have just five goals in their last nine Premier League games but Pardew has welcomed back promotion hero Glenn Murray to the starting XI. However, captain Mile Jedinak and Yannick Bolasie are now away on international duty.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Crystal Palace 0 Burnley 0, Premier League, September 2014

Burnley 1 (Stanlislas) Crystal Palace 0, Championship, January 2013

Crystal Palace 4 (Zaha 2, Delaney, Murray) Burnley 3 (McCann, Paterson, Austin) Championship, October 2012

STATS…

Burnley have lost just one of their last seven games at home in all competitions.

The clarets have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven matches.

Crystal Palace have scored just once in their last six Premier League away games.

Three of Palace’s six away Premier League goals since the beginning of September have been Mile Jedinak penalties.

After 21 games, the two teams have the same record this campaign. Four wins, eight draws and nine defeats each.

Burnley have gone 18 games without a 0-0 after three goalless draws on the bounce.

ODDS…

Burnley to win: 2.5

Crystal Palace to win: 3.25

Draw: 3.3

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.25pm