Crystal Palace vs Watford preview: Will Emmanuel Adebayor kick-start his Eagles career this weekend?

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at Selhurst Park

Benjamin Youell
Friday 12 February 2016 15:40 GMT
(2016 Getty Images)

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It’s a big game for…

Emmanuel Adebayor

Palace’s new striker, signed in January on a free, desperately needs to make his mark at the club and change their dismal winning record of late. The Togo front man is a proven goalscorer and could be the breath of fresh air the club’s attack needs. He is yet to score for the club, having appeared twice against Bournemouth and Swansea.

Weird stat…

One: Crystal Palace have only accrued one point in 2016 so far. They finally earned their first point in the 1-1 draw against Swansea on February 6. After the side’s bright start to the season, where they were being tipped as potential top four material, Palace have since fizzled out dramatically.

Remember when…

A look back to when Palace won promotion to the Premier League at Wembley in 2013 by beating Watford.

Player to watch…

Odion Ighalo

As one of Watford’s more reliable recent scorers, Ighalo looks to be one of their best options in attack. The striker was in flying form at the beginning of the season, but has dropped off slightly as the team slumped. He illustrated against Newcastle, Tottenham and Nottingham Forest that he is still more than capable, and will be looking to take advantage of Palace’s slump.

Past three-meetings…

Watford 0 Crystal Palace 1 (Cabaye)
Premier League, September 2015

Crystal Palace 0 Watford 0
Championship, February 2013.

Watford 2 (Abdi, Chalobah) Crystal Palace 2 (Ramage, Phillips)
Championship, August 2013.

Form guide…

Crystal Palace: LLLWLD

Watford: LLWWDL

Vital information…

KICK-OFF TIME: 3pm

TV: Highlights on BBC1

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