Crystal Palace vs Bournemouth Preview

• Draw or Palace win
• Under 2.5 goals

Crystal Palace were denied a piece of history before the break when a stoppage-time goal condemned them to a 2-1 defeat against Everton, ending their club-record 19-game unbeaten streak in all competitions. Despite that setback, the Eagles have been one of the standout stories of the campaign, sitting inside the top six before this round of fixtures and showing remarkable consistency under Oliver Glasner.

A key component of Palace’s success this season has been their fast starts. They are statistically the Premier League’s best first-half side so far, leading at the interval in five of their seven league matches (HT: W5, D2). Glasner’s high-intensity style has brought fluency and purpose to Palace’s play, with their wing-backs and midfield rotations providing both width and control.

However, maintaining that level of intensity over 90 minutes has occasionally been an issue, as late goals have cost them valuable points. Returning to Selhurst Park should help, where they remain unbeaten in their last nine league matches (W5, D4). The home crowd’s energy and Palace’s growing confidence at this ground make them a difficult proposition for any visiting side.

Bournemouth have enjoyed an equally impressive start to the season. Since losing on the opening day to defending champions Liverpool, the Cherries have gone six league matches unbeaten (W4, D2), a run that has propelled them to within two points of the Premier League summit. For a side that battled relegation concerns last season, this turnaround has been remarkable.

Those four wins already equal their total from the previous 16 league outings, underlining the progress made under Andoni Iraola. The Spaniard’s brand of high-pressing, quick-transition football has brought the best out of a young, dynamic squad, and the confidence flowing through the team is evident in their performances.

Bournemouth now have the chance to record their 100th Premier League victory (currently W99, D71, L141). To do that, they’ll need to improve their away form, which remains patchy. They’ve won only two of their last nine league trips (D4, L3), though encouragingly, both of those victories came in London — against Arsenal and Tottenham. That record should give them belief heading into this clash.

Head-to-Head History

This fixture has been notoriously tight in recent years. Crystal Palace have failed to score in the last four head-to-head meetings with Bournemouth (D2, L2), a surprising drought given the attacking quality within their ranks. Only once before have Palace gone five or more successive Premier League matches without scoring against a single opponent.

Last season’s meetings between the two sides both ended 0-0, adding to the sense that goals are at a premium whenever these clubs meet. In fact, only four times in Premier League history has the same fixture produced three consecutive goalless draws, meaning history could be made if this pattern continues at Selhurst Park.

Hot Stats and Streaks

• Crystal Palace are the only Premier League team yet to concede a first-half goal this season.
• Palace have opened the scoring in each of their last five matches across all competitions.
• Bournemouth have failed to score in just one of their last 18 away league games.
• Each of Bournemouth’s last 102 Premier League goals (excluding own goals) have been scored by players under the age of 30 — a testament to the youth and vibrancy of their squad.

These numbers underline how finely balanced this matchup could be: Palace tend to dominate early but fade late, while Bournemouth often grow into matches and finish strong.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players

Daniel Muñoz was on target against Everton and continues to pose an attacking threat from wing-back, with three of his last four goals arriving between the 30th and 40th minute.

At the other end, Justin Kluivert is the key man to watch out for. His pace and late-game instincts make him one of Bournemouth’s most dangerous weapons, with three of his last four Premier League goals coming beyond the 60th minute.

Notably, ten of his last 12 league goals have been scored away from home.

Palace are expected to field a full-strength side, with no fresh injury concerns following the break. Bournemouth could receive a timely boost with the possible return of Adam Smith, whose experience and defensive discipline could be crucial against Palace’s wing play.

Betting Analysis and Prediction

Both teams have been exceptional this season, yet there are reasons to anticipate a tight, tactical battle rather than a high-scoring affair. Palace’s defensive discipline, particularly in first halves, has been a hallmark of their campaign, while Bournemouth’s recent head-to-head record suggests they may find it difficult to break through at Selhurst Park.

The historical data supports a low-scoring outcome — the last four meetings have all seen under 2.5 goals, including two goalless draws last season. With both teams preferring structured, possession-based football and showing an ability to limit opposition chances, this trend could well continue.

A stalemate would not be a surprise, but Palace’s home form gives them a slight edge. They’ve shown resilience and control at Selhurst Park, and their ability to start strongly may once again prove decisive.

Predicted Scoreline: Crystal Palace 1–0 Bournemouth

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Crystal Palace v Bournemouth | 2025/2026 | Premier League | Overview