Bournemouth and Crystal Palace are set to clash at the Vitality Stadium on Boxing Day, with both teams looking to end the festive period on a high. The Cherries are riding high after a stunning victory against Manchester United, while the Eagles are keen to bounce back from a disappointing week.
Bournemouth Recent Form
Bournemouth have been in scintillating form recently, securing 13 points from their last five Premier League matches. Their latest outing was a spectacular 3-0 win at Old Trafford against Manchester United, showcasing their attacking quality and defensive solidity.
Manager Andoni Iraola has steered his team to a European spot, with Bournemouth losing just once at home since mid-September. Earlier wins against Wolves (4-2) and Ipswich (2-1) underline their momentum.
Injury and Team News
Bournemouth will be without key players Marcus Tavernier, Luis Sinisterra, Alex Scott, and Julian Araujo due to injuries. However, the form of Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo, who scored at Old Trafford, remains a significant positive.
In defence, Dean Huijsen, the former Juventus youngster, continues to impress alongside Ilya Zabarnyi.
Last Bournemouth Lineup
Here is how Bournemouth lined up in their last match:
Crystal Palace Recent Form
Crystal Palace have hit a rough patch, suffering back-to-back defeats against Arsenal in the league and cup, conceding eight goals in total.
Their defensive fragility has seen them keep just one clean sheet in their last ten games across all competitions. Manager Oliver Glasner faces mounting pressure to stabilise the team's form.
Injury and Team News
Palace are sweating on the fitness of Eberechi Eze, who missed their last match due to a foot injury.
Adam Wharton remains sidelined, and summer signing Eddie Nketiah continues to struggle for form. A defensive reshuffle may see Trevoh Chalobah start ahead of Chris Richards.
Last Crystal Palace Lineup
Here is how Crystal Palace lined up in their last match:
Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace - Who is the Referee and VAR?
The confirmed officials for this match are:
Referee: Thomas Bramall.
Assistants: Adam Nunn, Constantine Hatzidakis.
Fourth official: Andy Davies.
VAR: John Brooks.
Assistant VAR: Natalie Aspinall.
Bournemouth Player to Watch
Antoine Semenyo
The Ghanaian striker has been instrumental in Bournemouth's recent form, combining pace, power, and finishing ability. His influence in the final third will be vital against a struggling Palace defence.
Crystal Palace Player to Watch
Eberechi Eze
Palace’s creative linchpin, Eze, has the skill to unlock defences and will be key to any success the Eagles have in breaking down Bournemouth's sturdy backline. That's only if he is fit enough to play.
Prediction
Bournemouth are the form side and have a robust home record, while Palace’s defensive woes make them vulnerable. Expect the Cherries to edge this one.
Our Prediction: Bournemouth 2 - 1 Crystal Palace
Betting Tips
Tip 1: Bournemouth to Win
With their strong home form and attacking momentum, Bournemouth are favourites at odds of 1/1.
Tip 2: Over 2.5 Goals
Given Bournemouth's attacking flair and Palace's defensive struggles, a high-scoring game is likely.
Tip 3: Antoine Semenyo to Score Anytime
The Ghanaian striker is in fine form and offers excellent value as a goalscorer.
