Punting on Pulis' Palace makes perfect sense

IT'S as predictable as being stuffed with chocolate on Easter Sunday.

Even though it's late this year, you will have heard every Premier League commentator, analysis, and, okay, blogger saying in the last week that this is the time when footballing issues will be decided.

But while there are plenty sweating on championships, getting those three points that could secure a play-off place or a draw that could make all the difference in the battle against the drop, the bet of the week concerns the tussle between two teams who have no such concerns.

It's mission accomplished, I suppose.

You get no style marks in football.

All ugly football does is persuade some people that they can do something else with their cash and I know plenty of people who feel that way about going to Upton Park and watching Sam Allardyce's West Ham. I pity the 60,000 they hope will be watching them when they head to the Olympic Stadium.

I can't have them against the team everyone is talking about – Crystal Palace.

The Eagles have soared under Tony Pulis and they were 1-33 to go down when the former Stoke boss had taken the reins.

He hasn't turned them into long-ball merchants but they make the trip east on the back of four victories that have ensured they will be in the top flight next term.

While the Hammers have limped along, Palace have stormed their way to glory over the last few weeks and they are still available at a juicy pirce.

So I suggest you support them at the Boleyn Ground. And spend the winnings on a truckload of Easter eggs.