Crystal Palace v Cardiff City: First Goalscorer Tip

Some players are big game players. For Crystal Palace, the man who always seems to come up with the goods when it really matters is Darren Ambrose. I’ve already stated that the first leg of this semi-final tie may be settled by a single strike; I recommend the Eagles attacking midfielder for first goalscorer at best odds of 11/1 with PaddyPower. If it happens, it could well be the only goal on the night. For the really brave, a scorecast combo of 1-0 to the hosts with Ambrose to score is 60/1 (PaddyPower)!

There is good reason why Dougie Freedman might regard the 27-year-old as a talisman. The former Newcastle man made an instant impact in south London, scoring 20 goals in all competitions in the 2009-10 campaign. The highlights included a 30-yard screamer against Aston Villa in the FA Cup run and a decisive strike against Sheffield Wednesday on the final day of the season to keep Palace in the Championship.

This season he has simply re-affirmed his appetite for the big occasion. He grabbed the headlines at Old Trafford in the last round after a 40-yard blockbuster, described by Gary Neville as the best goal he had ever seen scored by an away side at Manchester United.

Ambrose had already gained further legendary status amongst Eagles fans by pouncing in the 89th minute at Brighton last September. That goal effectively won the game for Palace against their most bitter rivals, inflicting a first ever league defeat for the Seagulls at their new ground.

In short, Palace fans will tell you that this free-kick specialist has scored in almost all the big games his side have played in the last three years. At 11/1 (PaddyPower), the bookies may be unaware of this trend.