Crystal Palace vs Middlesbrough: Prediction, team news, line-ups, start time, live, head to head, odds - Premier League preview

Crystal Palace face a decisive match in the battle for their Premier League future today as relegation rivals Middlesbrough head to Selhurst Park.

Sam Allardyce has so far failed to inspire Palace to climb the table since becoming manager back in December, with the Eagles two points adrift of safety in 19th position.

Palace look increasingly likely of losing their top-flight status with just one win in 10 league games before Saturday's clash against Boro.

Aitor Karanka's side are in poor league form themselves with one win in eight, but Palace must avoid a defeat to avoid sinking futher into the relegation mire.

Scroll down for Standard Sport's comprehensive preview....

START TIME

Crystal Palace host Middlesbrough at Selhurst Park with kick-off scheduled for 3pm on Saturday, February 25.

LIVE COVERAGE

The match will not be televised live in the UK. Alternatively, you can follow all the build-up and action from 2pm with Standard Sport’s London Football live blog. Enter your email address below to be informed when coverage begins.

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TEAM NEWS

Sam Allardyce is expecting to still be without captain Scott Dann for today's clash. The defender is back in training following a hamstring problem but is unlikely to feature and winger Bakary Sako is in a similar position, although Jeffrey Schlupp is back having overcome his own hamstring complaint.

Allardyce also revealed both Mathieu Flamini and Loic Remy are sidelined following unspecified knocks as the Eagles go in search of just their second win under the former England boss.

Middlesbrough have concerns over three full-backs: Antonio Barragan (hamstring) is not expected to feature while Calum Chambers (stress fracture) and George Friend (calf) are also doubtful having not trained with the group this week.

Unsettled forward Gaston Ramirez will be hoping to return to the starting XI for the first time since early January and Adlene Guedioura could start for the first time, against his former club.

POSSIBLE LINE-UPS

Palace starting XI: Hennessey, Ward, Tomkins, Delaney, Van Aanholt, Milivojevic, McArthur, Zaha, Puncheon, Townsend, Benteke

Boro starting XI: Valdes, Chambers, Bernardo, Gibson, Fabio, De Roon, Clayton, Forshaw, Traore, Negredo, Stuani

HEAD-TO-HEAD

PREDICTION

BETTING ODDS (via 888 Sport)

Palace to win: 27/25

Boro to win: 31/10

Draw: 43/20

Click here to place a bet.
Odds correct as of 11am on February 25.

Premier League table