- Blackburn have won only two of six home PL2 matches, averaging 1.50 goals per game.
- Palace’s U21s have conceded an average of 2.14 goals per away game in the Premier League 2.
- Over 2.5 goals is heavily favourite for this fixture at 3/10.
Direct and counter vs Tempo and tempo
A game featuring two of the league’s most contrasting philosophies and playing styles should lead to an open contest when Blackburn Rovers U21 and Crystal Palace U21 meet in the Premier League 2 on Friday night.
Mike Sheron’s Blackburn Rovers U21 side have been a very direct outfit this season, with a narrow back four and physical forwards who can be dangerous off direct play. Rovers’ midfielders have been there to win second balls and launch the team into transition and their ability to play through the thirds has been hit and miss.
Palace, on the other hand, are a high-tempo, press-heavy side that plays to a similar style to their senior team, albeit with less energy. Their team likes to play a fluid 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-3 formation, with wingers who press to be wide and play vertically, players who can make runs and find them and midfielders who can press and find the ball.
Goals on the agenda
Blackburn’s recent form has been poor, with 1 win and 4 defeats in their last 5 PL2 matches. They have won just 1 of their last 3 at home and fell to a 5-0 defeat to Chelsea Academy and a 3-2 loss at West Bromwich Albion Academy in their last two.
Palace are not in the best shape themselves with 1 win, 1 draw and 3 defeats in their last 5, failing to take a single point in their previous 2 games. Palace were beaten 3-0 away at West Ham United Academy and lost 1-0 at home to Sunderland Academy.
Who will take it?
Palace are the clear favourites here and are priced at 67/100, while Rovers are available at 131/50 with the draw at 16/5. It should be a fairly even fixture, but Palace are in a superior league position, have more of a cutting edge in attack and we feel they can nick this one.
Jemiah Umolu is a player to watch for Palace as he has scored two of their four goals in their last five games and is a constant threat when Palace are on the front foot. This fixture looks like it should be a thriller and goals are expected, so we’re going to take the odds on the overs.
