Doncaster vs. Crystal Palace Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 10 February 2025 - bettingexpert
The FA Cup fourth round clash between Doncaster Rovers and Crystal Palace on 10 February 2025 at the Eco-Power Stadium promises an intriguing matchup. Doncaster, hailing from League Two, will host Premier League side Crystal Palace with the kick-off set for 19:45.
Crystal Palace, the bookmaker favorite with odds of 1.25 for an away win, enters this game in excellent form, having secured a notable victory against Manchester United. Their strong defensive record, with four clean sheets in their last five games, further underscores their prowess. Eberechi Eze, with a goal in his last FA Cup appearance, will be a key figure.
Doncaster, despite being the lowest-ranked team in this round, has showcased a fighting spirit, winning four out of their last five matches. Billy Sharp, their top scorer, will be vital. However, the quality difference should see Crystal Palace prevail.
Our recommended bet is an Away Win for Crystal Palace, reflecting their recent performances and higher league standing. The clash is expected to be a compelling narrative in this year’s FA Cup journey.
Doncaster vs Crystal Palace Prediction & Betting tip
Our recommended betting tip for this FA Cup fourth-round tie is an Away Win for Crystal Palace. The disparity in league standing and form between the two sides supports this prediction.
| Doncaster vs Crystal Palace Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Away Win | 1.25 |
- Crystal Palace has demonstrated superior quality by competing in the Premier League, while Doncaster is a League Two team.
- The bookmakers favour Crystal Palace significantly, reflecting their expectations of an away win with odds of 1.25.
- Crystal Palace has maintained four clean sheets in their last five games, highlighting their defensive solidity, even against higher-tier opponents.
Doncaster vs Crystal Palace Odds
This FA Cup clash between Doncaster and Crystal Palace presents interesting betting opportunities, with the bookmakers heavily favoring the Premier League side.
| Doncaster vs Crystal Palace Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Doncaster | 10.21 |
| Draw | 5.94 |
| Crystal Palace | 1.25 |
Crystal Palace’s strong odds reflect their superior quality and recent form, including a commendable victory against Manchester United.
Doncaster, despite their recent wins, face an uphill battle given the disparity in league standings between the two teams.
Doncaster Team Analysis
Doncaster Recent Performance
Doncaster has been on a roll lately with a series of strong performances. Their last five matches show four wins and one loss, indicating a team in solid form.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Doncaster | Harrogate Town | 1-0 (Win) |
| Barrow | Doncaster | 1-3 (Win) |
| Doncaster | Milton Keynes Dons | 2-1 (Win) |
| Chesterfield | Doncaster | 5-2 (Loss) |
| Gillingham | Doncaster | 0-1 (Win) |
Recent Form: LWWWW
Despite playing against lower-division teams, Doncaster has shown resilience and attacking prowess, averaging 1.80 goals per game in their last five fixtures. They have also managed to keep two clean sheets, demonstrating a fairly solid defense. However, the loss to Chesterfield could be a cause for concern against a stronger opponent like Crystal Palace.
Doncaster Key Players
Doncaster’s key player to watch in this FA Cup clash is undoubtedly Billy Sharp. Sharp is their top scorer, having netted 2 goals in the competition so far, and will be pivotal in breaking down Crystal Palace’s solid defense, which has kept clean sheets in their last three away matches.
Another important figure will be Joe Ironside, leading the attack from the forward position. His ability to hold up the ball and bring teammates into play will be crucial. Doncaster’s reliance on Luke Molyneux in midfield, who has shown promise in recent games, will also be essential in linking up play and providing crucial passes to the strikers.
Expected lineup for Doncaster:
- Goalkeeper: Teddy Sharman-Lowe
- Defenders: Jamie Sterry, Joseph Olowu, Jay McGrath, James Maxwell
- Midfielders: Owen Bailey, Charlie Crew, Luke Molyneux, Patrick Kelly, Robert Street
- Attackers: Joe Ironside
Doncaster Suspensions & Injuries
There are no suspensions or injuries reported for Doncaster heading into their FA Cup clash against Crystal Palace.
This clean bill of health means that Doncaster’s manager can field his strongest possible lineup, which will be crucial as they attempt to upset a Premier League side. With all squad members available, it allows for tactical flexibility and the ability to adapt to the flow of the game. This should provide a confidence boost for Doncaster as they look to continue their strong recent form and give Crystal Palace a competitive match.
Doncaster Tactics and Formation
Doncaster Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Joe Ironside
- Midfield Duo: Owen Bailey and Charlie Crew
- Defensive Line: Strong, with Teddy Sharman-Lowe in goal and Jamie Sterry leading the defense.
- Notable Strategy: Transition play focusing on swift counter-attacks, taking advantage of the pace of wingers like Luke Molyneux.
Doncaster has kept two clean sheets in their last five games, showing a solid defensive setup. With Billy Sharp as the top scorer, the team will likely depend on clinical finishing and robust midfield support to disrupt Crystal Palace’s defensive rhythm. Expect tactical flexibility given the Premier League opposition.
Crystal Palace Team Analysis
Recent Performance
Crystal Palace has been in strong form recently, winning four out of their last five matches. Their recent performances include impressive victories against teams like Manchester United, West Ham, and Leicester. Here’s a closer look at their last five results:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester United | Crystal Palace | 0-2 (Win) |
| Crystal Palace | Brentford | 1-2 (Loss) |
| West Ham | Crystal Palace | 0-2 (Win) |
| Leicester | Crystal Palace | 0-2 (Win) |
| Crystal Palace | Stockport County | 1-0 (Win) |
Crystal Palace’s solid defense is evident from their four clean sheets in these games. They’ve averaged 1.60 goals per game over this period. With Eberechi Eze contributing a goal and Daichi Kamada providing creativity in the midfield, they look sharp up front.
Additionally, the quality and experience in both defense and attack highlight their evident superiority. Despite a slip against Brentford, their overall form makes them the stronger side going into this FA Cup tie against Doncaster.
Crystal Palace Key Players
Expected lineup for Crystal Palace:
- Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson
- Defenders: Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Marc Guehi, Daniel Munoz, Tyrick Mitchell
- Midfielders: Will Hughes, Jefferson Lerma, Ismaila Sarr, Daichi Kamada
- Attackers: Jean-Philippe Mateta
Crystal Palace boasts a well-rounded squad with notable talent in both attack and defence. Eberechi Eze, the team’s top scorer in the FA Cup this season with 1 goal, is expected to be a key figure in their attack. Daichi Kamada adds creativity and flair to the midfield, making him a crucial playmaker. Marc Guehi and Maxence Lacroix will be pivotal in maintaining the defensive solidity that has seen Palace keep four clean sheets in their last five matches.
Key individual battles to watch include Eze up against Doncaster’s Jamie Sterry and Mateta challenging Jay McGrath. These contests could significantly influence the outcome.
Crystal Palace Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Matheus França | Broken rib | Doubtful |
| Chadi Riad | Knee injury | Mid February 2025 |
| Cheick Doucouré | Knee injury | Mid February 2025 |
| Joel Ward | Calf Injury | Doubtful |
Crystal Palace is dealing with a few injury concerns heading into this FA Cup fourth-round match, which could impact their squad depth and rotation options. The absence of Matheus França and Joel Ward, both doubtful for the match, may cause issues in defense and midfield. Additionally, the uncertainty over Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucouré’s return could leave gaps in Palace’s lineup. These injuries might force the manager to rely on less experienced players or shift tactics to cover for the missing key players. Despite these setbacks, Crystal Palace’s strong recent form and defensive resilience should help them remain competitive against Doncaster.
Crystal Palace Tactics and Formation
Crystal Palace’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-4-2-1
- Key Forward: Jean-Philippe Mateta
- Midfield Trio: Will Hughes, Jefferson Lerma, Daichi Kamada
- Defensive Line: Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Marc Guehi, Daniel Munoz, Tyrick Mitchell
- Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson
- Defensive Strength: Four clean sheets in the last five games
Palace has been robust defensively, allowing them to build from the back. Mateta leads the forward line, supported by Kamada and Sarr, who offer creativity and pace. The wing-backs, Munoz and Mitchell, provide width and aid both in attack and defence. The midfield duo of Hughes and Lerma adds stability and controls the tempo. Expect Palace to press high and dominate possession against a lower-tier Doncaster side.
Doncaster vs Crystal Palace Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Doncaster Rovers | Crystal Palace | 0-2 |
| Crystal Palace | Doncaster Rovers | 1-1 |
| Doncaster Rovers | Crystal Palace | 1-0 |
| Doncaster Rovers | Crystal Palace | 0-0 |
| Crystal Palace | Doncaster Rovers | 1-0 |
In their last five encounters, Crystal Palace has had the upper hand with two victories, while Doncaster managed one win. Two matches ended in a draw.
These past meetings reveal a competitive history, but it’s important to note the current form and league standings, which heavily favor Crystal Palace. With Palace’s Premier League pedigree and Doncaster’s League Two status, this FA Cup clash adds an extra layer of intrigue.
Odds accurate as of 08.02.2025 19:48, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
