It's bottom vs midtable as the Clarets and Eagles get ready to ruffle feathers at Turf Moor!

Burnley boss Vincent Kompany is flapping about his side's poor form. The Clarets are stuck in the drop zone and desperately need to start soaring up the table.

Meanwhile, Palace is flying high in the mid-table under Roy Hodgson's wise old wings. The Eagles will arrive with confidence after holding the Spurs last week.

Burnley's attackers like Josh 'Tarky' Brownhill and Anass Zaroury will look to shoot down Palace's backline. But the Eagles defenders are a formidable flock to get past.

This Turf Moor tussle promises talons out the action. Can the high-flying Eagles peck away at Burnley's hopes? Or will the wounded Clarets summon a ferocious fightback on home turf?

Burnley vs Crystal Palace

The match will take place on Saturday, 4th November 2023, at Turf Moor

Kompany's Frustration as Clarets Come Up Short Again

It was another afternoon of disappointment for Burnley boss Vincent Kompany as his side suffered their 8th league defeat of the campaign against Bournemouth. Despite taking an early lead through Charlie Taylor's sweet strike, the Clarets couldn't hold on and were sunk by Philip Billing's wonder goal from distance.

Kompany was frustrated that his team couldn't see out the win, but he was even more upset that a possible handball wasn't reviewed by VAR in injury time. The result leaves Burnley stuck in the relegation zone and Kompany with many problems to solve.

Tarky's Tricks Trouble Cherries Backline

Burnley's Dwight McNeil and Anass Zaroury caused problems for Bournemouth with their pace and dribbling down the wings. The tricky wing wizards gave the Cherries' full-backs headaches at times with their quick feet and direct running. 

But it was midfielder Josh Brownhill who was the Clarets' main creative source, carving openings with his clever passing range. 'Tarky' tried his best to pull the strings, but Burnley just lacked the cutting edge to make their dominance count.

Radu's Saves Preserve Cherries' Lead

On loan keeper, Andrei Radu was heroic at times to keep Burnley at bay with some super stops. When called upon, the Romanian shot-stopper showed safe hands and quick reflexes. 

His finest moments came in the second half when he denied Rodriguez and Zaroury with top-drawer saves. Radu was an inspired signing by Iraola and he ensured the Cherries clung to their lead with important interventions when it mattered most.

Palace Provide Stern Early Test

Under the Selhurst Park lights, Crystal Palace came flying out of the traps to ruffle Spurs' feathers early on. The Eagles showed attacking intent, with Wilfried Zaha and Jordan Ayew looking dangerous.

Palace talisman Zaha was a bundle of tricks out wide, tying Tottenham fullback Matt Doherty in knots at times. While Ayew's pace and direct running caused some first half palpitations in the Spurs backline.

Had Ayew converted a golden early chance when clean through, the Eagles could have soared into an early lead to rock Spurs.

Hodgson's Halftime Tweak Fails to Spark Palace

At halftime, Palace boss Roy Hodgson rolled the dice by bringing on striker Odsonne Edouard to provide more attacking thrust.

But the tweak failed to get Palace firing on all cylinders. Despite plenty of hustle and bustle, the Eagles struggled to seriously ruffle the Spurs backline after the break.

With Zaha shackled and Ayew wasting another decent opening, Palace lacked the cutting edge to capitalize on their energetic display.

Eagles Downed by Rare Ward Own Goal

The game turned on a crazy moment when Joel Ward inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net to give Spurs the lead.

It was a cruel blow for Palace, who had defended stoutly up to that point. But Ward's unlucky own goal left Hodgson incredulous on the sidelines.

That stroke of misfortune knocked the stuffing out of the Eagles. They struggled to muster a response as Spurs grabbed control.

Son's Clinical Finish Seals the Points

Tottenham talisman Son Heung-min put the game to bed with a trademark clinical finish from close range.

Son showed his predatory instincts to pop up at the back post and convert a precise low cross. That was his eighth league goal of a stellar campaign.

It was a hammer blow that Palace had no answer to. Son's ice-cool finish snuffed out any late comeback hopes.

Spurs Ride Their Luck Early Before Clinical Finish

Tottenham were slow out of the blocks and lived dangerously in the first half. Palace's bright start had Spurs teetering.

But the visitors hung on before ruthlessly punishing Palace after the break. The own goal broke Palace's resistance before Son applied the killer blow.

It was a mature away display, weathering an early storm before showing their attacking quality later on. Games like these mark title challengers out from the rest.

Predicted Lineups

Burnley: J. Trafford, C. Taylor, Dara O'Shea, A. Al-Dakhil, C. Roberts, J. Gudmundsson, Sander Berge, J. Brownhill, Zeki Amdouni, L. Koleosho, Lyle Foster 

Crystal Palace: S. Johnstone, T. Mitchell (if not injured), Marc Guehi, J. Andersen, Joel Ward, Will Hughes, J. Lerma, Cheick Doucoure, J. Schlupp, Jordan Ayew, O. Edouard

Key Battles

Tarkowski vs Zaha

A crunch duel looks on the cards between Burnley's James Tarkowski and Palace dangerman Wilfried Zaha.

Ex-Clarets defender Tarkowski has the strength and savvy to keep Zaha caged. But the tricky Eagle has the skill to fly past any marker when he's on song.

If Tarkowski shackles Palace's main man, the Clarets can stop Zaha running riot. But if Zaha finds room to spread his wings, it could be a long day for Burnley.

This tussle between craft and power could decide who takes flight at Turf Moor.

Conclusion

Expect a tight scrap with chances few and far between. Burnley's desperation for a win may just give them the edge.

If the Clarets can feed off the Turf Moor atmosphere and ruffle Palace early on, they could end their losing streak.

But Hodgson's wise old Eagles are masters at stifling games. Their defensive solidarity and moments of Zaha magic make them dangerous.

This Turf Moor battle is too close to call. But a rousing Clarets display may just see them edge a cagey contest by a solitary goal.