The Boxing Day action in the Premier League gets underway at Vicarage Road.
Crystal Palace supporters have endured a miserable 2016 in the Premier League. The Eagles have lost 22 league games this year – more than any other team in the division – and it is a slump that has now cost Alan Pardew his job at Selhurst Park.
Hosts Watford, on the other hand, are on their way to stabilising themselves in mid-table for the second consecutive season. The Hornets need to avoid complacency, however; they collapsed in the second half of last season, and four defeats in their last five matches suggest they may be en route to repeating that feat.
Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha celebrates scoring their second goal
The Key Battle – Jose Holebas vs Wilfried Zaha
Zaha has been Palace’s shining light in a season of despair so far. The flying winger has often looked like the only player capable of providing an attacking threat for his side, particularly given Christian Benteke’s loss of form in recent weeks.
The latest to try and stop the 24-year-old will be Jose Holebas, the Greek international who has impressed on the left hand side of Watford’s defence this season.
Watford’s Jose Holebas celebrates scoring their first goal
Last Meeting:
Last season’s FA Cup semi-final at Wembley was the last time these two sides met, and it ended in a 2-1 victory for Palace thanks to Connor Wickham’s winner.
These two sides also clashed in the 2012/13 Championship play-off final, a match which Palace also won by a single goal margin. Kevin Phillips’ extra-time penalty sent the Eagles to the Premier League, with Watford having to wait a further two years before sealing their own promotion.
Crystal Palace’s Bakary Sako and Watford’s Ben Watson in action
Recent league form – most recent last:
Watford – WLLWLL
Crystal Palace – LLWDLL
Who’s the ref?
Mark Clattenburg will be the man in the middle at Vicarage Road.
The 41-year-old has produced 67 yellow cards and three reds in his 18 matches so far this season, none of which have involved Watford or Palace.
Referee Mark Clattenburg brandishes a yellow card
What time is kick off?
The match starts at 12.30pm.
Where can I watch it?
Sky Sports 1 are showing this one live, with build-up beginning at 12pm.
Odds
Watford – 13/10
Draw – 23/10
Crystal Palace – 21/10
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