With the long unbeaten run ending as we headed into the latest international break, the Eagles will be looking for a reaction with the visit of Bournemouth this weekend.
It has certainly not been a restful couple of weeks since the defeat on Merseyside, as the majority of Palace players have been travelling the world on international duty. However, the one that please fans the most was the sight of Jean-Philippe Mateta not only making his full international debut, but also netting for France.
We all remember a very raw Mateta joining on loan from Mainz, and judgement was very much reserved for quite some time until the striker started scoring some very important goals (the one at the Amex was particularly memorable during Covid). However, since then he has become one of the most consistent goal scorers in the Premier League.
Every game in the Premier League is a challenge, but the visitors travel up from the South Coast in very good form. The Cherries sit in fourth place having enjoyed four wins and two draws in their opening seven games. Andoni Iraola has done a fantastic job since joining the club and has turned many heads as have his star players, but the real challenge was to replace much of a backline that left the club in the summer and that has seemingly not affected them, and that is to their credit.
Meanwhile, the last couple of weeks has seen the rumour mill move on from Marc Guehi who once again impressively donned an England shirt in the break, but attentions have turned to Adam Wharton being linked with Liverpool and Manchester United, and Maxence Lacroix with Liverpool.
That will always come with success and a 19 game unbeaten run and picking up two trophies along the way will encourage suitors from elsewhere looking to pluck the best of this Eagles side, including the manager.
Oliver Glasner credited his players after the loss at Everton but was keen not to use any excuses of tiredness. He will be keen for the players to wipe that from their memories and the best way to do that is to return from the international break with a win.
At the time of writing, the Austrian looks to have a healthy squad of players to select from, pending any players returning from international duty with knocks. However, players like Adam Wharton, Eddie Nketiah and others will have been working on the training ground with Glasner and his staff and will be raring to go.
This fixture was a very tight contest last season and ultimately ended in a draw, but it will be remember for two quick bookings for Chris Richards in the first half.
🦅 Crystal Palace
- Form: W-D-D-W-W (last 5 matches)
- League Position: 6th (12 points from 7 games)
- Manager: Oliver Glasner
- Key Players:
- Jean-Philippe Mateta – scoring consistently
- Ismaïla Sarr – top scorer with 3 goals
- Marc Guéhi & Maxence Lacroix – defensive anchors
- Injuries: Cheick Doucouré, Chadi Riad, Caleb Kporha (out)
- Tactics: Glasner’s 3-5-2 system emphasizes compact defending and quick transitions. Palace have conceded just 6 goals in 7 matches and are unbeaten at home this season.
🍒 AFC Bournemouth
- Form: D-W-L-L-W (last 5 matches)
- League Position: 4th (14 points from 7 games)
- Manager: Andoni Iraola
- Key Players:
- Antoine Semenyo – 6 goals, 3 assists
- Marcus Tavernier & Marcos Senesi – midfield engines
- Injuries: Adrien Truffert, Enes Ünal, Adam Smith (out)
- Tactics: Iraola’s 4-3-3 setup focuses on high pressing and attacking width. Bournemouth have scored 11 goals this season but struggle away from home.
🔍 Head-to-Head
- Last 5 meetings: 4 draws, 1 Bournemouth win
- Recent results have been tight, including multiple 0-0 draws.
📊 Match Prediction
- Likely Result: Draw or narrow Palace win
- Score Prediction: 1-1 or 2-1 to Palace
- Betting Tips:
- Both Teams to Score: Yes
- Over 1.5 Goals: Likely
- Under 4.5 Goals: Very likely
- Correct Score Tip: 1-1 or 2-1
