Late Show Specialists Head To Selhurst

We’ve enjoyed a surprising amount of success playing the half time/full time market when Palace are up against the top sides and this looks like another opportunity at a big price. The Eagles are 30/1 (Ladbrokes) to lead at the break before Spurs take the spoils in the end.

Such a turnaround is always fairly unlikely, as the odds suggest, but the reasons why we find value here are compelling.

Firstly, Alan Pardew’s arrival will give Selhurst Park a huge lift at kick-off and the hosts will be feeling pretty confident after thrashing Dover 4-0 in the cup last week. An early goal against a potentially complacent Tottenham is hardly out of the question.

However, Pochettino’s boys are growing in stature and their capacity to turn a game on its head has been demonstrated repeatedly, particularly on the road.

In four of their last five away league matches, Spurs have won it late on. They trailed Villa until the 84th minute and Hull until the 61st minute. Swansea drew level before Eriksen scored in the 89th minute. The Danish international then settled the clash with Leicester with 19 minutes to go.

The Lilywhites won all these matches in November and December, all away from the Lane and all by a 2-1 scoreline. It’s a freaky run but the belief that they will score late, crucial goals will only have increased after Chelsea were beaten 5-3.

In contrast, Palace haven’t won in eight and would be liable to get nervous if they did have a lead or even a point to defend. With captain Mile Jedinak away on international duty, they are even less likely to handle such pressure.