After an impressive thirty yard strike from South Korean international Lee Chung-yong, the Eagles came away with their third win in four games at Stoke City and now find themselves sixth in the table and level on points with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Boss Alan Pardew now looks ahead at the two games in as many days as Palace travel south to Bournemouth for the first top flight meeting between the two sides and a reunion with fan favourite Glenn Murray. However, he may have an injury headache with strong rumours that both Yannick Bolasie and Connor Wickham are facing spells out.
In their last two games Bournemouth have dispatched both Chelsea and Manchester United and will be looking to use that form to produce a similar result on Boxing Day in their fight to move away from the bottom three.
Team News
Crystal Palace – Influential French midfielder Yohan Cabaye is a doubt for the second week in succession with a heel injury. Aussie Mile Jedinak is in contention for a return to the squad while Sullay KaiKai is expected to be involved after being recalled from Shrewsbury. Dwight Gayle and Bakary Sako miss out.
Bournemouth – Long term injuries to Callum Wilson and Max Gradel sees them both sidelined as will inform pair Josh King and Junior Stanislas which is a huge blow to Eddie Howe’s side.
Action Replay
Not much of an action replay to provide on this match up as this is the first meeting between the two sides since March 1989. Bournemouth won that game 3-2 at Selhurst Park which completed the double over Palace that season after they won the home game earlier in the season 2-0.
Form Guide
Current form has Palace just edging it with four wins, one draw and one loss compared with Bournemouth who have three wins, one draw and two losses.
In the last six games between the two sides it is even with three wins each. Three of those games were on the South Coast with Bournemouth winning two and Palace just the one.
One To Watch
Glenn Murray – Who Scored rating 6.52
The former Palace fan favourite will be the enemy this time around and Palace fans are fully aware of just how dangerous Glenn Murray can be. However, on the flip side his former teammates may be able to outwit the Selhurst Park cult hero and neutralise any physical threat he may pose.
The 32 year old started his career with Workington Reds before moving to the United States to play for Wilmington Hammerheads. His journey to Palace took in Barrow, Carlisle United, Rochdale and Brighton as well as a loan spell at Stockport County. The Matyland born striker has always scored goals wherever he has been and will forever be remembered in Palace folklore.
Predictions
Final league position – 17th
Bournemouth have suffered with long term injuries to key players but have not given up hope in extending their inaugural stay in England’s top flight. With Callum Wilson, Tyrone Mings and Max Gradel all blighted with bad injuries, it has caused many to give up on any thought of Premier League survival but Eddie Howe and his group of players are happy proving everyone wrong. They have won plenty of friends so far this season, many of which hope they stay up.
- TEB prediction – away win
- Tales From The South End prediction (see link below) – home win
- Who Scored prediction – away win
Betting Odds (courtesy of Paddy Power)
- Home 6/4
- Draw 9/4
- Away 19/10
