Fifth Round – Crystal Palace vs Stoke City – Sport Grill

Crystal Palace host Stoke City at Selhurst Park as both teams meet in a Fifth Round tie of 2021-22 FA Cup.

Victory would see Palace reach the Quarter-Finals for the second time in the last four seasons, whereas Stoke are looking for their first appearance in the last eight of this competition since 2011-12 season.

Team News

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Joel Ward could return for Crystal Palace after missing their last two matches with a groin injury, although manager – Patrick Vieira won’t risk him unless he is definitely match fit.

Nathan Ferguson (hamstring) remains absent.

Stoke could be without Josh Tymon after he missed Saturday’s Championship defeat at Bournemouth with a hamstring injury.

Jordan Thompson is a doubt after suffering a knock on the South Coast.

Jaden Philogene-Bidace (groin) is ruled out along with Phil Jagielka and Lewis Baker who are also cup-tied, whilst Morgan Fox is set to be suspended as he starts a three-match ban unless his red card is rescinded.

Abdallah Sima (groin), Mario Vrancic and Harry Souttar (both knee) remain absent.

Stat Attack

• Crystal Palace have won just one of four previous clashes against Stoke in three FA Cup ties (W1, D1, L2).
• Stoke are winless in two previous FA Cup visits to Selhurst Park (D1, L1).
• Michael Olise has scored in both of Palace’s FA Cup matches this season (W2).
• Palace has won four of their last five FA Cup matches against lower-league opposition (W4, L1).
• Stoke have lost each of their last six FA Cup ties against Premier League opposition (L6).

Prediction

Having found themselves held to a draw at home to Burnley on Saturday despite making a bright start, Palace definitely will be looking for a more clinical performance after failing to make their dominance count amidst control of midfield and flanks.

Stoke meanwhile played excellent football at Bournemouth but did well for 50 minutes when reduced to ten men, yet were ultimately outplayed by a well-drilled clinical home team but can take heart from their overall effort.

I however expect both teams to ring the changes here but if Palace again fail to take their chances, I can see Stoke causing issues and this match could be one which goes the distance but Palace should have the edge once fatigue kicks in.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-1 (AET) Stoke City

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