Two of the Premier League’s relative minnows will go head-to-head at Wembley in the second FA Cup final on Sunday. Both of these teams have been struggling for league form of late, though that may well be because they’ve had half an eye on this season-defining encounter. With top flight football all but guaranteed for both sides, this competition is now all they’ve seriously got left to play for.
Crystal Palace vs. Watford 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch FA Cup online
Crystal Palace take on Watford in the second FA Cup semifinal on Sunday.
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Both of these teams have reached the FA Cup final once before, though Palace were beaten by Manchester United back in 1990, and Watford were downed, 2-0, by Everton six years prior. It may be a while before either of these teams get a better chance of rewriting the history books. Expect a cagey encounter between two sides whose attacking strategies tend to be rather cautious.
Key player: Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)
Perhaps the best technician on the field on Sunday will be Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, whose inconsistency is all that is stopping him from establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most dangerous players. Lightning with the ball at his feet, and capable of beating the best defenders with a quick trick, he’ll be the man the Eagles will be relying on for their counter-attacks.
Recent history
These sides have each won once in their Premier League meetings this season, with both matches having been decided by one-goal margins. Indeed, most of the recent matches contested between these two teams have tended to be rather tight, and a flick through the history books doesn’t reveal one side to have really been able to dominate this fixture. We should surely expect another close match.
Crystal Palace injuries and suspensions
Out: Kwesi Appiah (knee). In doubt: Marouane Chamakh (groin); Brede Hangeland, Joel Ward, Joe Ledley, Yannick Bolasie (knock); Dwight Gayle (unspecified muscular injury); Scott Dann (foot).
Watford injuries and suspensions
Out: Nordin Amrabat (suspended). In doubt: None.
Palace’s only certain absentee is Ghanaian attacker Appiah, who hasn’t made a single appearance all season courtesy of an ACL injury. However, Pardew is sweating on the fitness of a few first-team regulars, including defender Dann and midfielders Ledley and Bolasie. Meanwhile, Watford will only be without Moroccan winger Amrabat, who is suspended.
Match date/time: Sunday, April 23, 11 a.m. ET, 4 p.m. local
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London, England
TV: FOX Sports 2 (US - English); FOX Deportes (US - Spanish); Sportsnet World (Canada); BT Sport 2 (UK)
Online: FOX Sports GO, FOX Soccer 2GO (US); Sportsnet World Now (Canada); BT Sport live streaming (UK)
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