Crystal Palace vs Bournemouth Preview
- Draw or Bournemouth win
- Over 2.5 goals
Eagles reeling after back-to-back hammerings
Crystal Palace appeared to be mounting a serious push for a top-half Premier League finish after a five-match unbeaten run (W4, D1), but that dream has been crushed by successive heavy defeats. A 5-2 home loss to Manchester City, despite going 2-0 up, was followed by a humbling 5-0 defeat at the hands of Newcastle in midweek. That was the first time since February 1935 that the Eagles had shipped five or more goals in consecutive competitive games.
Despite those setbacks, Palace do boast a strong home record that could be the catalyst for a bounce-back performance. They’ve won each of their last three Premier League matches at Selhurst Park and could now secure four straight home league wins for only the second time in the club’s history. Manager Oliver Glasner will be urging his players to emulate last season’s finish, where they went unbeaten in their final seven league games (W6, D1).
With the pressure of relegation long gone and little left to play for in terms of league position, the Eagles could benefit from the freedom of a low-stakes run-in. Reigniting the form that saw them dispatch Fulham, Wolves, and Leicester in recent home matches will be key if they are to finish the season on a high.
Bournemouth staying in the hunt for Europe
Bournemouth’s 1-0 win over Fulham on Monday night breathed new life into their push for European qualification, snapping a six-match winless run in the league (D2, L4). It was a timely victory for Andoni Iraola’s side, who have endured a tough spring period and now face a tricky final stretch that includes trips to Arsenal and Manchester City.
Consistency has been elusive, particularly away from home, where the Cherries have failed to win any of their last three league matches (D2, L1). Their general record in the capital makes for grim reading too, with Bournemouth winless in their last ten Premier League games in London (D5, L5).
However, they can take heart from their recent record against Crystal Palace, with a three-match unbeaten H2H run (W2, D1) during which they’ve not conceded a single goal. That includes a 2-0 win at Selhurst Park in December 2023, which stands as their most recent away victory in the capital.
Tactical battle: Damage control vs aggression?
Glasner may need to adjust his high-pressing tactics after shipping ten goals in two matches, and this could be a more pragmatic Palace side than the one that faced Man City and Newcastle. With Jean-Philippe Mateta in red-hot home form, expect the Eagles to be direct and look to play through him at every opportunity.
Iraola’s men are most dangerous on the counter, particularly away from home, with Justin Kluivert offering pace and incisiveness in transition. The Cherries are likely to set up cautiously but will be well aware that Selhurst Park has been a fruitful venue for them of late.
Players to watch
Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)
The French striker has thrived under Oliver Glasner, scoring 18 goals in 22 league appearances at Selhurst Park during the Austrian’s reign.
He has netted in each of Palace’s last three home matches and remains their key goal threat.
Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth)
The Dutch forward has scored ten of his 12 Premier League goals this season away from home, including two early openers inside the first six minutes.
His speed and positioning make him a major threat on the break.
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Crystal Palace v Bournemouth, 2024/25 | Premier League