Both these sides have changed managers since the start of the season, and in reflection of the instability at both clubs, this is something of a six-pointer, like mentioned at the start of this article. Tony Pulis and Pepe Mel are something of a polar opposite in style and experience, with Crystal Palace going for the tried and trusted, West Brom taking the punt on a rookie to the English game in the Spaniard. Amazingly, Crystal Palace suddenly look well-equipped to avoid the drop after a nightmare start to the season. T0m Ince and Joe Ledley are real quality accqusitions, and at the back there is a real steel and determination that wasn't always there in the league's early weeks. Pulis will see this is as one of the bread-and-butter games that must be won, and so will not have let his side's heads drop after defeat at Arsenal last weekend. West Brom gave a spirited fightback at home to Liverpool, after being outclassed for much of the opening 45 minutes, but the Baggies have failed to convince this season. There is a sense that Mel's side are not as defensively sound as they were in previous seasons. Their only away win this season came at Man United, and with Mel still getting his feet under the table, West Brom will not be adding to that tally this weekend. Prediction - 1-0 Palace win.
I am from Bangor, aged 24, and possess an MA in Journalism from The University Of Ulster. I have had work published in the Belfast Telegraph and interviewed several local footballers and Olympic athletes. I also run my own sports blog, 'Sporting Thought' in addition to contributing to What Culture.
