The Eagles head from the success in Krakow to the South Coast this Sunday which sits right in the middle of the hugely important Conference League semi finals.
This match up is intriguing however as it has been mooted in the sporting press that Palace are keen on appointing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola who is leaving the South Coast club in the summer.
The Spaniard is well touted across Europe and heavily linked with Athletic Club for whom he made over 400 appearances as a player. However, his love for the club may see him go elsewhere in Europe and whether or not Palace have a chance is unlikely.
However, the Cherries are in very good form as they seek to extend their unbeaten Premier League run to 15 games and Iraola would love for that to continue until he bids a fond farewell to the South Coast club for German Marco Rose lined up to take over.
Oliver Glasner, himself leaving Palace in the summer, will be keen for a good performance following the excellent result in midweek, as well as the fact that the Eagles still have an opportunity of qualifying for Europe by finishing as high up the Premier League table as possible.
Form wise, Palace have lost 7 of their last 13 away games in the Premier League, as many defeats on the road in their first 28 under Glasner.
The conundrum for the Austrian will be the starting line up, ahead of Thursday. Norwegian striker Jorgen Strand Larsen will be pushing for a start after coming off the bench to score a lovely goal against Shakhtar. He could well opt to also bring in Brennan Johnson, Will Hughes, and Jefferson Lerma against his old club.
Glasner has confirmed that Check Doucoure is unlikely to play this season with games running out. Evan Guessand will miss this game but has a chance of being available on Thursday.
Match Preview
Premier League | Matchweek 35
Date: Sunday, 3 May 2026
Kick-off: 14:00 BST
Venue: Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth
📝 Overview
Bournemouth welcome Crystal Palace to the south coast in a Premier League clash that could shape the final European places. The Cherries are enjoying their most consistent top‑flight season to date and remain firmly in the hunt for continental football, while Palace arrive fresh from European action and aiming to finish the league campaign strongly.
📊 Current Form & League Context
Bournemouth
- Position: 7th (49 points)
- Recent league form: D–W–D–W–D
- Unbeaten run: 15 Premier League matches
- Last match: 2–2 draw vs Leeds United
Bournemouth have become the league’s “draw specialists”, but remain remarkably difficult to beat. Andoni Iraola’s side are just one point off the top six and know that turning home draws into wins is crucial in the run‑in.
Crystal Palace
- Position: 13th (43 points)
- Recent league form: W–D–W–D–L
- Last match: 3–1 win away vs Shakhtar Donetsk (Conference League semi‑final, first leg)
Oliver Glasner’s Palace balance domestic duties with a European semi‑final, which may influence rotation and fitness levels. Away goals have rarely been a problem for the Eagles, but defensive lapses continue to cost them on the road.
🧠 Tactical Battle
- Bournemouth will look to dominate through high pressing and quick transitions, with Alex Scott and Ryan Christie driving midfield tempo.
- Crystal Palace are expected to play on the counter, utilising the pace of Ismaila Sarr and the physical presence of Jean‑Philippe Mateta up front.
The reverse fixture ended in a dramatic 3–3 draw, underlining the attacking threat on both sides. [sportsmole.co.uk]
🚑 Team News
Bournemouth – Doubtful / Out
- Justin Kluivert (knee)
- Lewis Cook (hamstring)
- Julio Soler (thigh)
Crystal Palace – Doubtful / Out
- Eddie Nketiah (thigh)
- Cheick Doucouré (knee)
- Evann Guessand (knee)
Palace may rotate slightly following Thursday’s European fixture, while Bournemouth benefit from a full week’s preparation.
🔍 Key Players to Watch
- Eli Junior Kroupi (Bournemouth): The teenager has been electric between the lines and continues to attract attention with his movement and finishing.
- Jean‑Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace): Scorer of a dramatic hat‑trick in the reverse fixture, Palace’s main goal threat.
Officials
- Referee: Rob Jones
- Assistants: Neil Davies, Marc Perry
- Fourth official: John Busby
- VAR: Peter Bankes
- Assistant VAR: Tim Robinson
📺 How to Watch
- UK: Sky Sports+
- Streaming (US): Peacock
- Kick‑off: 14:00 BST / 13:00 UTC
🔮 Prediction
Bournemouth’s home advantage, stronger league momentum, and Palace’s midweek European commitments give the edge to the hosts, though both teams scoring feels likely.
Prediction: Bournemouth 2–1 Crystal Palace
