AFC Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace, English Premier League 2024-25, Today Match Prediction

AFC Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace Match Prediction & Analysis

On Boxing Day in Match Week 18 of the Premier League, Bournemouth will aim to make it three wins in a row against Crystal Palace, having done a double ( 2-0 & 1-0) last season. Fresh off a 3-0 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford last game, the Cherries will also be aiming to extend their unbeaten run to six games on Thursday—though Crystal Palace will be determined to spoil the party. 

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace, reeling from back-to-back defeats against Arsenal in the EFL Cup (2-3) and Premier League (1-5), will need to put those setbacks behind them and focus on the solid form they showed in the five games prior. 

Current Standings: With 28 points from 17 games, Bournemouth are currently placed 5th in the points table, while Crystal Palace  find themselves much lower  in the table at 16th  position with 16 points. 

Head-to-Head Record: Crystal Palace  holds a slight edge with a win-loss record of 6-4 in 14 matches. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

AFC Bournemouth Preview

December has been a dream month for Bournemouth, racking up 13 points from five games, including statement wins over Tottenham (1-0) and Manchester United (3-0). Against United, they delivered a masterclass in efficiency, scoring three times from just five shots on target despite holding only 40% possession and an xG of 1.63. 

Bournemouth's home form has been formidable, with just one loss (to Brighton) in the last three months. Their Vitality Stadium triumphs include scalps like Manchester City, Arsenal, and Tottenham, making it clear that for Crystal Palace to beat Iraola's side on Boxing Day, the Eagles will need to bring their A-game and more. 

The Cherries have conceded only 7 goals at home this season, the third-best stats after Liverpool and Arsenal’s numbers. They are unbeaten in their last five Premier League games. Justin Kluivert is the top scorer for the Cherries with five goals. Bournemouth has scored at least one goal in 9 consecutive matches. 

Bournemouth’s Boxing Day plans are looking uncertain, with key players Marcos Senesi, Julian Araujo, Alex Scott, Luis Sinisterra, and Marcus Tavernier all facing potential absences due to injury.

Bournemouth  Probable XI - Kepa (GK), Cook, Zabarnyi, Kerkez, Huijsen, Christie, Adams, Kluivert, Semenyo, Evanilson & Ouattara

Crystal Palace Preview

Crystal Palace’s momentum came to a crashing halt at the hands of Arsenal, who hammered in eight goals across two games. Oliver Glasner’s side had been riding high on a five-match unbeaten streak, but the Gunners proved ruthless, not only dismantling their defense but also derailing their growing confidence.

Reflecting on the defeats, the Crystal Palace coach admitted, "In many parts of the game, we did really well. But defending our box? We were terrible today. Conceding three first-half goals from crosses is something we must fix. A top team like Arsenal punishes you if you give them too much space." Well they need to tidy up the defense as Bournemouth’s high-pressing style can expose any defensive lapses. The Cherries have a knack for punishing mistakes, and any moment of slackness could prove costly. 

The Eagles have been in good form recently, losing only one of their last six home matches across all competitions. They are also unbeaten in their last four Premier League away matches, with two wins and two draws. However, they have a concerning record when trailing away from home, failing to win any matches when going behind 0-1 this season. Despite their defensive struggles, having only kept one clean sheet in their last ten games, they have maintained a potent attacking threat, scoring at least one goal in each of their last seven matches. 

Crystal Palace face a tough challenge with Matheus Franca, Adam Wharton, Eberechi Eze, Chadi Riad, Franco Umeh-Chibueze, and Rob Holding all sidelined by injury, while Daniel Munoz will miss the trip to the south coast through suspension.

Crystal Palace Probable XI - Henderson (GK), Clyne, Guehi, Lacroix, Mitchell, Richards, Hughes, Lerma, Kamada, Mateta, Sarr

AFC BOURNEMOUTH vs CRYSTAL PALACE
Winning Prediction

Excluding their heavy loss to Arsenal, both Palace and Bournemouth have been in solid form. However, the psychological impact of that thrashing could linger for the Eagles. Still, they can take some comfort from their recent visits to the Vitality Stadium, where they've won two of their last three matches, with only one defeat.

Bournemouth have been a formidable force at home, and their style of play is perfectly suited to exploit Palace's defensive vulnerabilities, as seen in their heavy defeat to Arsenal. The Cherries are the favorites, with odds of 1.85 to 4 and 3.80 for a draw. The home side's momentum makes them the team to beat.

AFC Bournemouth to Win (2-0)

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