The FA Cup is back this weekend and with just 16 teams in the hat, those lucky enough to get through the next stage will be in the quarter finals. We have already seen a number of shocks, and after this weekend we will have a maximum of two clubs from the Premier League’s top six left in the draw. Those looking for an upset this weekend in the 5th round may want to head up north and take a look at the game between Doncaster and Crystal Palace.

The Rovers are in the playoffs in League One right now, and promotion back up to the Championship will be their aim. They are an in-between club really, slightly too big for League One, but not quite big enough to compete with those in the Championship. Either way, they are playing well at the moment, they are a good team to watch, with plenty of attacking talent and that is going to give them every chance of upsetting the odds against Crystal Palace.

We have seen plenty of Premier League clubs rest players in the FA Cup this season, but at this stage I don’t see Crystal Palace doing that. Their problem is that they are involved in the relegation battle right now, and although they are up in 13th position, they are just three points ahead of the relegation zone and they are sure to be looking over their shoulder right now.

Whether that means they will rest a few players, I am not sure, but obviously if they do rest some key names then that gives Doncaster an even better chance of winning this game.

The Premier League Relegation Battle

Crystal Palace are part of the relegation battle in the Premier League as I have mentioned, and it is shaping up to be a fantastic battle for the final spot. Although they are not out of it mathematically, Fulham and Huddersfield are as good as relegated already, leaving just one place left to be decided unless something huge happens over the final few games.

Southampton are currently in the bottom three with 24 points and as things stand now, they would be the ones to join Fulham and Huddersfield going down to the Championship. However, Cardiff and Newcastle are just one point ahead of them on 25, and then Crystal Palace, Burnley and Brighton are all three points above on 27.

With just 12 games to go until the end of the season, you can expect to see a few more twists and turns, but with six clubs involved and likely only one relegation place to go to one of those clubs, everyone involved will feel confident that they can stay clear and survive in the top flight.

Palace will fancy their chances of survival, and the points they have along with their goal difference puts them in the best position of the six involved for that final space as we stand now. However, as we all know, things can change in just one weekend, and they will be way of that happening to them. That may force them to rest a couple of players here, or they may see the opportunity they have to win the FA Cup and play a full strength team.

The League One Promotion Race

Doncaster are involved in the League One promotion race and while they may fall short in terms of bagging automatic promotion this season, the playoffs are well within their reach. Not only are Doncaster in the final playoff spot right now, but they also have a four point cushion ahead of Peterborough, who are their main challengers of those on the outside. Behind Peterborough there is a further gap to the likes of Blackpool and Fleetwood, and if either of those two are going to get up and challenge it is going to take a huge effort from them.

Looking ahead, Doncaster are just two points behind Charlton in 5th and they will fancy their chances of turning them over and taking that place from them. However, above them both Sunderland and Portsmouth have a six point advantage on Doncaster so far, and with them both fighting for automatic promotion, they are going to be throwing all they have at the rest of this season.

At the top of the table, Luton have a six point cushion over Barnsley who are in second place behind them and holding onto the final automatic promotion spot. Both Sunderland and Portsmouth are three points off Barnsley, but recent form is a worry for those clubs. Sunderland have won just one of their last six, with five draws in the other games, while Portsmouth have not won in their last five games, picking up just two points.

If they want to challenge for automatic promotion then they have to turn around their form quickly. Automatic promotion looks a step too far for Doncaster, but they will be very hopeful of making the playoffs this season.

Doncaster vs Crystal Palace Betting Tips

An intriguing cup tie in Doncaster on Sunday afternoon and one where the hosts should genuinely feel they have a chance of causing an upset. There is two leagues between these two, and of course Crystal Palace have players that Doncaster can only dream of affording, but this is the FA Cup and upsets do happen.

Doncaster are playing well at the moment, they are having a good cup run and look set to get into the League One playoffs, with a shot at promotion to the Championship. Crystal Palace find themselves in a relegation battle once again, and the thought of slipping into that may force them into resting a couple of key names, which would certainly aid Doncaster’s chances of winning the tie.

If there is one positive with Doncaster it is that they naturally like to attack and score goals, and that is what you need to do if you want to win a cup tie against higher opposition. They cannot be scared of Palace, have to play their normal game and hope they get a bit of luck on the way.

I think that is exactly what Doncaster will do, and at a big price they are worth siding with in the hope they can cause an upset. Palace certainly deserve to be favourites for the game, but the bookmakers are giving Doncaster little chance, and I think that is wrong so The Rovers are my pick on Sunday.

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