Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace: Preview, Predictions, and Lineups
Bournemouth host Crystal Palace at the Vitality Stadium on Boxing Day, aiming to extend their impressive unbeaten run and solidify their position in the Premier League’s top five. The Cherries have been one of the standout teams of the season, while Palace, under Oliver Glasner, have shown flashes of resilience despite their recent struggles.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this intriguing Boxing Day clash.
Match Details
- Location: Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth, England
- Date: Thursday, December 26, 2024
- Kick-off Time: 15:00 GMT / 10:00 ET / 07:00 PT
- Referee: Thomas Bramall
- VAR: John Brooks
Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
- Bournemouth Wins: 3
- Crystal Palace Wins: 2
- Draws: 0
- Last Meeting: Bournemouth 1-0 Crystal Palace (April 2, 2024 – Premier League)
Current Form
Bournemouth (Last 5 Matches)
- Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth (December 22) – Premier League
- Bournemouth 1-1 Man Utd (December 16) – Premier League
- Ipswich Town 1-2 Bournemouth (December 8) – Premier League
- Bournemouth 1-0 Tottenham (December 5) – Premier League
- Wolves 2-4 Bournemouth (November 30) – Premier League
Key Stat: Bournemouth have won four of their last five matches and sit fifth in the table.
Crystal Palace (Last 5 Matches)
- Crystal Palace 1-5 Arsenal (December 21) – Premier League
- Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace (December 18) – Carabao Cup
- Brighton 1-3 Crystal Palace (December 15) – Premier League
- Crystal Palace 2-2 Man City (December 7) – Premier League
- Ipswich 0-1 Crystal Palace (December 3) – Premier League
Key Stat: Palace’s 5-1 defeat to Arsenal flattered the Gunners, with the Eagles showing resilience in recent matches.
Team News
Bournemouth
Andoni Iraola’s side has been performing well despite missing key players.
- Out: Marcos Senesi (muscle injury), Marcus Tavernier (hamstring), Julian Araujo, Alex Scott, Luis Sinisterra (various injuries).
- Available: Evanilson shook off a knock to start against Manchester United and should feature again.
Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
GK: Kepa
DEF: Smith, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez
MID: Cook, Christie
ATT: Semenyo, Kluivert, Ouattara
ST: Evanilson
Crystal Palace
Oliver Glasner’s Eagles have several absentees but remain competitive.
- Out: Eberechi Eze (foot injury), Adam Wharton (groin), Chadi Riad (knee), Matheus Franca (broken rib).
- Return: Daniel Munoz is back from suspension and should start.
Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1):
GK: Henderson
DEF: Chalobah, Lacroix, Guehi
MID: Munoz, Hughes, Lerma, Mitchell
ATT: Sarr, Kamada
ST: Mateta
Match Analysis
Bournemouth’s Approach
The Cherries have thrived under Iraola’s leadership, combining defensive solidity with sharp attacking transitions. Their directness and ability to exploit wide areas make them a formidable force, especially at home.
Crystal Palace’s Approach
Despite their heavy defeat to Arsenal, Palace remain a tricky opponent. Glasner has instilled discipline in his side, making them tough to break down. The absence of Eze is a blow, but Kamada’s creativity and Mateta’s physical presence can trouble Bournemouth’s defense.
Prediction
Bournemouth enter the match in high spirits after their dominant win over Manchester United, but Palace’s resilience under Glasner should not be underestimated. This could be a tightly contested affair, with both sides capable of finding the net.
Predicted Score: Bournemouth 2-2 Crystal Palace
Key Players to Watch
- Bournemouth: Evanilson – The striker’s movement and finishing will be crucial against Palace’s disciplined backline.
- Crystal Palace: Daichi Kamada – With Eze out, Kamada’s creativity will be vital in unlocking Bournemouth’s defense.
FAQs
- Why is Eberechi Eze unavailable for Palace?
Eze is sidelined with a foot injury and remains a doubt for the Boxing Day clash. - Who are Bournemouth’s key absentees?
Marcos Senesi, Marcus Tavernier, Julian Araujo, Alex Scott, and Luis Sinisterra are all unavailable due to injuries. - What is Bournemouth’s current league position?
Bournemouth are currently fifth in the Premier League table. - Can Palace avoid relegation?
Palace are 16th and out of the drop zone, but they need consistent performances to maintain their safety. - What is the predicted result?
A 2-2 draw, with both sides showcasing their strengths in an entertaining contest.
