3rd Jan 2015 | FA Cup
They Think It's All Dover
The non-league club are unbeaten in 16 matches and this one should be tight and close despite the alleged gulf in quality.
Crystal Palace will receive a lift now that Alan Pardew has finally been confirmed as manager but we shouldn’t expect a dramatic change of style overnight.
This means that the Eagles may not approach things dramatically differently even against non-league opponents; their usual away strategy is to defend deep and counter-attack. This approach has secured consecutive 0-0 draws at QPR and Villa and we should expect something similar at Crabble Stadium.
Dover have won their last three FA Cup matches by a 1-0 scoreline so it’s also clear where the hosts’ strengths are likely to lie. The coastal club are 16 matches unbeaten in all competitions so Palace may have to withstand some early pressure.
If they do this then we should expect class to just about prevail in the end. The most likely score is either 1-0 or 2-0 to the Premier League outfit, both 7/1 prospects with BetVictor, and we will split our stake accordingly.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 15:50 3rd Jan, 2015 but subject to change
