Premier League preview and odds: AFC Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace

Published on: 21/12/2015

Premier League preview and odds: AFC Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace

December 26, 2015 15:00pm - Vitality Stadium

Premier League

Born-again Bournemouth will be looking to increase their unbeaten run on Boxing Day when they host European candidates Crystal Palace at the Vitality Stadium in the Barclays Premier League.

Bournemouth unbeaten in five

After a miserable run of five straight defeats which left them stranded in the relegation zone, a rejuvenated AFC Bournemouth have now gone five games unbeaten in the Premier League and have risen to 14th in the table.

The Cherries have stuck to their football principles this season and finally seem to be getting rewarded. In the process, they have picked up plenty of new admirers. They can put even more distance between themselves and the drop zone with a win at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Last time out, they bagged their second consecutive away win by overcoming a tricky West Bromwich Albion side by two goals to one. Prior to that, they enjoyed back-to-back wins at home to Manchester United and away to Chelsea.

Palace pushing for Euro berth

Crystal Palace are currently enjoying their best run of form this season, having won three and drawn one of their last four matches. They currently sit in sixth place in the Premier League table having won nine games. Only three teams in the league have won more games than Alan Pardews men. However, they have lost more games than any other team in the top half of the table.

They come into this game on the back of a 2-1 away win at Stoke City which marked their fifth away win of the season. Only Leicester City and Tottenham have beaten the Eagles on their travels.

Team news

Bournemouth have perhaps been the unluckiest club in the league when it comes to injuries. As well as losing their big summer signings, they have also had to deal with the loss of other key players throughout the season. Their extensive list of absentees includes Junior Stanislas, Josh King, Christian Atsu, Callum Wilson, Tommy Elphick, Max Gradel and Tyrone Mings. On a brighter note, Lee Tomlin may be available for this clash.

Meanwhile, Palace will have to cope without Connor Wickham, Yohan Cabaye, Dwight Gayle and Kwesi Appiah, while Mile Jedinak and Bakary Sako could return.

Recent form (League)

AFC Bournemouth: WWWDD

Crystal Palace: WWDWL

Betting odds and tips

Bournemouth have only won one of their last five at home while Palace have won three of their last five away games. They away should just have enough to edge this one and can be backed at 9/5 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 21/12/2015

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (21/12/2015 13:45:44) but are subject to change.