August 21 2008

Selhurst Park

Crystal Palace get the perfect opportunity to record their first league win of the season when they host Burnley this weekend.

The Clarets have started the season in disastrous fashion so they won’t exactly be relishing a trip to SE25 where they were thumped 5-0 on the last day of last season.

A 4-1 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday was followed by a 3-0 reverse at home to Ipswich, where Turf Moor is regarded as a fortress to Burnley fans so alarm bells will be ringing.

Palace will surely show more attacking intent than they did last weekend up at Preston although with no out-and-out striker the lack of goals is there for all to see.

That is not to say Warnock’s side do not have the ability to find the back of the net and with Burnley struggling for confidence there should be opportunities for the Eagles to break their duck for the season in the league. With the defence still looking solid it will be a major surprise if Palace can’t come away with all three points.

Back Crystal Palace to win @ 4/5

Back Crystal Palace to win 2-0 @ 15/2

After an awful tipping weekend last week I’m looking to recoup some of those losses this weekend with Reading again. They take on our South London rivals Charlton and 7/4 is far too big a price about the Berkshire club.

Charlton were fortunate to beat Swansea before succumbing to Watford last weekend, while Reading are slowly coming to grips with life back in the Championship yet should have far too much quality for the Addicks and heap more pressure upon Alan Pardew.

I would also expect Watford to overcome Championship newcomers Nottingham Forest at the County Ground at 9/4. Watford are steadily overcoming their debacle end to last season but have proven themselves hard to beat while Forest have yet to convince they have the quality for the Championship.

Back Reading @ 7/4

Back Watford @ 9/4

Back Crystal Palace, Reading and Watford treble @ 14/1