Crystal Palace look to avoid a major cupset against Hartlepool United at Selhurst Park in the Fourth Round of 2021-22 FA Cup.
Palace are looking to reach the Fifth Round for the second time in four seasons, whereas Hartlepool look to advance beyond this stage for the first time in their history after failing on six previous occasions.
Team News
Wilfried Zaha is in contention to return for Crystal Palace after missing their last five games due to international duty for Ivory Coast at 2022 Africa Cup of Nations.
James McArthur (hamstring) and James Tomkins (unspecified) could also feature but Cheikhou Kouyate (international duty) is still absent.
Hartlepool will be without Nicky Featherstone who is suspended following his red card against Exeter City in League Two last weekend.
Omar Bogle, Nicholas Bilokapic and Bryn Morris could make their debuts after signing for the club last week.
Stat Attack
- Crystal Palace have lost their two previous FA Cup meetings against Hartlepool albeit away at Victoria Park (L2).
- Hartlepool are playing away to Palace at Selhurst Park in the FA Cup for the very first time, although they have won just one previous visit in all competitions (W1, D1, L3).
- This is the first time that Palace met Hartlepool in the Fourth Round of this competition, with both previous meetings coming in the Third Round.
- Palace have won two of their last three home ties against lower-league opposition in the FA Cup (W2, L1).
- Hartlepool have won three of their last five away matches in the FA Cup (W3, L2).
Prediction
Having won just two of their last six matches in all competitions, Palace definitely need to wary of Hartlepool’s threat given their defensive issues which was evident in their loss to Liverpool last time out with poor marking but their attack did improve throughout.
Hartlepool meanwhile know how to cause cupsets after defeating Wycombe, Lincoln and Blackpool in the opening three rounds, so will certainly be fired up for this clash despite having inferior quality but their team unity will be key on top of finishing.
It is also worth noting that Hartlepool have lost just two of their last ten matches and four of their five draws finished goalless, which is a positive because they can frustrate Palace if are able to keep things tight defensively and take their chances.
Palace though have Zaha back in contention and I can see him having an impact upon the team which could be crucial the longer this game stays competitive.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-0 Hartlepool
Result: Crystal Palace 2-0 Hartlepool
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