Crystal Palace vs Derby County Prediction & Betting Tips - FA Cup

Prediction published on 03/01/2020, 09:28  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 03/01/2020 at 11:41 in FA Cup Predictions

Derby County will make the trip to Selhurst Park for a 3rd round FA Cup tie with Crystal Palace off the back of two straight victories which has seen them to 17th and now pondering a play-off push. Rams boss Phillip Cocu will assess the fitness of Wayne Rooney ahead of the tie after he made his long-awaited debut at Pride Park in the 2-1 win over Barnsley.  

Wilfried Zaha may also be rested as Crystal Palace opt to rotate with Roy Hodgson’s side left licking their wounds after a hectic Christmas schedule, Mamadou Sakho is the latest player to be struck by injury but palace remain unbeaten in their last three games drawing twice whilst gaining one victory.  The Eagles have been rugged in defence and haven’t conceded more than once since a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool in November. Their fearsome rearguard has been paramount to their steady form with just one defeat in eight games. 

The visitors meanwhile despite two straight home wins have been dire on the road. They haven’t won in 12 on their travels losing eight times in that run without scoring. Their last win away came at Scunthorpe when they were 1-0 winners in an EFL Cup tie back in August. Derby have picked up just seven points in the Championship away from home meaning only Barnsley and Luton (6) have accumulated a lower total.