History will be made when Brighton and Hove Albion play host to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup third round on Monday night.
It will be the first competitive club match in English football in which VAR (Video Assistant Referee) technology is used, with Neil Swarbrick set to be the video referee who will assist match referee Andre Mariner.
Match odds:
Although, inevitably, much of the focus of this fixture will be on the success – or otherwise – of VAR, both of these sides will be desperate to win the tie, with a place in the fourth round of the FA Cup awaiting the victors.
Brighton have been beaten in just one of their last 11 home matches in all competitions and Chris Hughton’s charges are chalked up as Betsafe’s 8/5 (2.60) favourites to book their place in the FA Cup fourth round with a win against the Eagles, while the same firm offer 17/10 (2.70) that it is Roy Hodgson’s side who claim victory on what is sure to be a momentous occasion.
Getty ImagesBetsafe offer 43/20 (3.15) that the match ends all square and that a replay at Selhurst Park is required to separate the sides.
Team news:
There is undoubtedly a keen rivalry between these teams, but Palace boss Hodgson has already suggested that he will take a pragmatic approach to team selection as the Eagles’ primary priority is preserving their Premier League status.
The former England boss is likely to give several fringe players an opportunity to impress in this Cup clash and players like Bakary Sako and Jairo Riedewald, who have enjoyed limited opportunities thus far, may be rewarded with a place in the starting line-up against the Seagulls, while Wilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke are amongst those likely to be rested.
Hughton may too take a similar approach and striker Tomer Hemed is one who will be hoping to be included from the start, having played second fiddle to Glenn Murray for much of the season so far.
The case for goals:
The Seagulls have scored in nine of their last 11 matches at Amex Stadium in all competitions and Betsafe offer 17/10 (2.70) that the hosts score more than once against the Eagles, while the same firm offer 9/10 (1.90) that both teams are on target.
It is also worth noting that there have been goals at both ends in six of Brighton’s last 10 home matches; the most recent match at Amex Stadium - against AFC Bournemouth - ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw on New Year’s Day.
Tips and predictions:
Palace, though, are unbeaten in five matches away from home - a run that began when they earned a hard-fought goalless draw at Amex Stadium in the Premier League back in November.
Hodgson’s in-form side have been beaten in just one of their last 11 matches and they are capable of securing, at least, a replay here; it is, therefore, Betsafe’s 21/25 (1.84) quote for the Eagles in the draw no bet market that could offer best value for punters ahead of Monday’s match.
Crystal Palace draw no bet at 21/25 (1.84) for a 2pt stake with Betsafe