The first full round of English Premier League fixtures takes place on the weekend. There are still many issues to be decided including relegation and that will be at the forefront of Bournemouth’s mind as they take on Crystal Palace on Saturday evening at the Vitality Stadium.
Depending on the result between Aston Villa and Sheffield United on Wednesday night, Bournemouth will either be in 19th or 20th place on 27 points while Crystal Palace are in 11th place on 39 points.
These four 🙌#afcb 🍒 pic.twitter.com/FwxlGIXdP6— AFC Bournemouth (@afcbournemouth) June 17, 2020
These four 🙌#afcb 🍒 pic.twitter.com/FwxlGIXdP6
Bournemouth come into this match on a run of 4 games without a victory in the Premier League. The Cherries have managed to pick up only a single point from the last 12 available and that came in a 2-2 draw at home against Chelsea on the 29th of February. Prior to that draw, Bournemouth lost 2-1 at Sheffield United and 3-0 at Burnley. Following the draw with Chelsea, Bournemouth put in a good performance but lost 2-1 at Liverpool.
Trends show Bournemouth have won just 3 of their last 18 matches in the Premier League and have lost 7 of their last 10 league games. If that run continues, there is a real danger they are going to be relegated from the Premier League this season.
Bournemouth have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last 12 Premier League matches and both teams have scored in 6 of their last 7 games in all competitions.
Prior to the suspension of the Premier League, Crystal Palace were in good form and they have won each of their last 3 league games. They picked up victories at home against Newcastle United and Watford plus away at Brighton and Hove Albion. Interestingly, all 3 matches ended in a 1-0 win for The Eagles.
Crystal Palace have improved defensively and trends show they have managed to keep a clean sheet in their last 3 league games. However, they will be hoping to improve on their away record which has seen them win only one of their last 7 away matches in the Premier League. Nonetheless, Crystal Palace have a good recent record against Bournemouth which has seen them lose only one of their last 7 meetings.
Crystal Palace have scored 2 or more goals in 4 of their 6 most recent clashes with Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Looking ahead to the team news and Bournemouth look set to be without midfielder Philip Billing who has been suffering from an ankle injury. Charlie Daniels is the only other doubt for the hosts and he is back in training following a knee problem.
Crystal Palace have a fully fit squad available. That means central defender Mamadou Sakho could return to the starting XI. Andre Ayew will start up-front and if he scores the winning goal, he will set a new record for the club in terms of points won during a season thanks to his goals.
Given the form of the two teams prior to the suspension of the league, it is tough to make a case for Bournemouth winning this match. The home team may score a goal but Crystal Palace will arrive in a positive mindset and could take maximum points with both teams scoring.