Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace Preview
- Bournemouth to win
- Over 1.5 goals
Bournemouth host Crystal Palace at the Vitality Stadium on Boxing Day in a match that could further cement the Cherries’ historic rise into the Premier League’s top five or help Palace move away from the relegation zone.
Both teams come into this fixture with contrasting recent fortunes, promising an exciting clash.
Bournemouth: Riding High
Bournemouth’s incredible 3-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend has propelled them to unprecedented heights, spending Christmas Day in the top five of the Premier League for the first time in their history.
That win was particularly special, as Bournemouth became just the second team to secure consecutive 3+ goal victories at Old Trafford, a feat not achieved since Burnley in the early 1960s.
Andoni Iraola’s side has been in stellar form, going unbeaten in their last five league games (W4, D1). Their only blemish in this period was a 1-1 home draw with West Ham, suggesting a slight vulnerability at the Vitality Stadium.
However, having completed a league double over Palace last season, Bournemouth will fancy their chances of securing another win.
Key Player: Justin Kluivert
Kluivert has been lethal from the penalty spot, with his five goals from the spot this season making him the joint-top penalty scorer across Europe’s top five leagues. His confidence in high-pressure moments could be pivotal again.
Crystal Palace: Struggling for Stability
Crystal Palace travel to Bournemouth reeling from a 5-1 drubbing by Arsenal at Selhurst Park. That heavy defeat has left the Eagles just four points above the relegation zone, as manager Oliver Glasner continues to search for consistency in his side’s performances.
Boxing Day fixtures have been particularly cruel to Palace, who have lost their last three matches on this day by a 3-0 scoreline.
Despite their struggles, there is a silver lining: Palace have performed better away from home, taking more points on the road than at Selhurst Park this season. Recent back-to-back away wins in the league provide hope for Glasner’s men.
Key Player: Eberechi Eze
Eze has a strong record against Bournemouth, scoring three goals in as many Premier League H2Hs. Notably, Palace are unbeaten in his last eight goalscoring appearances (W7, D1), underlining his importance to their success.
Tactical Battle
- Bournemouth’s Approach:
Iraola’s side will look to dominate possession and utilise their pace in wide areas, with Justin Kluivert and Philip Billing leading the charge in attack. Bournemouth’s ability to press high and create chances from set-pieces could exploit Palace’s defensive vulnerabilities. - Crystal Palace’s Approach:
Palace will likely focus on a more conservative strategy, looking to absorb pressure and hit Bournemouth on the counter-attack. Eze’s creativity and Mateta’s pace on the flanks will be central to their attacking threat.
What’s at Stake?
For Bournemouth, a win would further solidify their position in the top five, continuing their incredible form and strengthening their European ambitions.
Crystal Palace will be aiming to avoid defeat, which is crucial to halting their slide toward the relegation zone and restore confidence after their hammering by Arsenal.
Head-to-Head Insights
- Bournemouth completed a league double over Crystal Palace last season.
- Palace have lost their last three Boxing Day fixtures by a 3-0 scoreline.
- Bournemouth are unbeaten in their last five league games (W4, D1).
- Eberechi Eze has scored three goals in three H2Hs against Bournemouth.
Prediction
Bournemouth’s confidence and form make them strong favourites heading into this fixture, particularly given Palace’s recent struggles.
While Palace have been better away from home, their Boxing Day woes and defensive frailties could see them come up short against a clinical Bournemouth side.
Prediction: Bournemouth 2-0 Crystal Palace
This Boxing Day clash promises plenty of intrigue, with Bournemouth looking to consolidate their top-five position and Palace fighting to reverse their fortunes.
Will the Cherries continue their fairytale run, or can the Eagles soar to an upset? Football fans are in for a festive treat at the Vitality Stadium.
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Bournemouth v Crystal Palace, 2024/25 | Premier League