Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace Prediction & Betting Tips - Premier League

Prediction published on 17/06/2020, 12:38  by James | Modified on 17/06/2020 at 13:38 in Premier League Predictions

Bournemouth host Crystal Palace at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday in what will be a Premier League return for both teams after the pandemic hiatus. Facing relegation from their current 18th-place position, Bournemouth are level on points with the two teams above them and will be hopeful that they have the means of escaping the drop. Palace, meanwhile, are 12 points ahead of the Cherries in 11th place, a distance that should assure them of their safety. The final Champions League spot is only six points away from the Eagles so what would be the shock of the campaign is still possible. Neither club has a cushy run-in (with both set to face at least three of the teams currently in the Champions League places) and each will look at this fixture as one they can win.

Palace were in flying form before the break, stringing three consecutive wins together to climb up the table. They don't score many goals - 17 Premier League teams have scored more - but Palace have a defence strong enough to ensure that the odd goal will pick up a significant number of victories. Possessing the sixth-best defence in the division, Palace are unbeaten in four of their last five away games. They are unbeaten in five of their last six matches with Bournemouth, winning the two most recent meetings.

As their league position may suggest, Bournemouth were in rotten form going into the break, failing to win any of their last four matches. That doesn't paint the full picture though as there were signs of recovery in Bournemouth's home form. Unbeaten in four of their last five home matches, the Cherries also have a number of players available after long-term injuries, like Brooks. Although this is winnable for both teams, we're expecting a cautious return for two clubs aiming to get off to a good re-start. Back a draw.