Sports Blog 26/04/2017: Premier League Preview – Crystal Palace vs Tottenham, Wednesday 26th April 2017

Can Tottenham keep up the pressure on Chelsea with a win over Crystal Palace, at 8pm on Sky Sports 1?

In terms of form Spurs are the strongest side in the Premier League, winning their last 7 games in a row. During that period the London club have scored a whopping 23 goals while conceding just 4, maintaining the league’s best defence in the process. Yet for all this on Saturday their title-chase was dealt a major psychological blow, despite the loss coming in the FA Cup.



Once again Wembley proved to be a cursed ground for Tottenham. In their semi-final against Chelsea Spurs had 63% of possession, 11 corners to the Blues’ 1, and 13 shots on goal. By the 52nd minute things were once against level, Mauricio Pochettino’s side twice coming from behind thanks to Harry Kane and Dele Alli (who head into Wednesday night at Super Mega PGMs of 54-62 and 27-32 respectively). Then Antonio Conte introduced Eden Hazard and Diego Costa, both having controversially started the game on the bench, and Tottenham’s momentum evaporated, Chelsea surging to a 4-2 victory.

With 7 points separating the 2 sides, and a mere 6 games left this season, how Spurs react to this loss could be huge. Anything other than a win may leave Chelsea beyond Tottenham’s reach, especially given how easy the former’s run-in is. While the Blues take on Everton, Middlesbrough, West Brom, Watford and Sunderland, Spurs are forced to contend with Arsenal, West Ham, Manchester United, Leicester and Hull.

Even Wednesday night’s trip to Selhurst Park won’t be easy. In their last 3 games Crystal Palace have beaten the Gunners 3-0, held a revitalised Leicester to a 2-2 draw, and took all 3 points off Liverpool at Anfield. Christian Benteke has been especially impressive of late, scoring 5 goals in as many games, including a brace against his former club – he sits at a Super Mega PGM of 17-21.

So, there are multiple landmines for Spurs to avoid. Our traders think they’ll be OK, however, Spreadex offering a Tottenham/Crystal Palace (h) Goal Supremacy spread of 1.15-1.35 alongside a Total Goals spread of 2.75-2.95.