Crystal Palace vs AFC Bournemouth Predictions

• Crystal Palace shipped ten goals while losing their last two matches
• Bournemouth have lost just one of their last ten Premier League away games
• None of these sides’ last eight meetings went over 2.5 goals

Eagles may have wings clipped again ahead of semi-final

Last Saturday’s humiliating 5-2 defeat at Manchester City clearly left a lasting scar on Crystal Palace as the Eagles were thrashed 5-0 at St James’ Park on Wednesday to cap off a terrible few days for Oliver Glasner’s side. 

Eberechi Eze’s missed penalty at 1-0 definitely didn’t help matters but there was a lack of fluidity in Palace’s attack and numerous mistakes at the back against Newcastle, meaning alarm bells will be ringing for Eagles fans with an FA Cup semi-final on the horizon. 

Glasner has one game to rectify Palace’s form and regain confidence in the squad before their trip to Wembley but there is reason to believe they may fall short against a talented Bournemouth side who snapped a seven-game Premier League winless run last time. 

Cherries can add to Palace’s problems

The Cherries beat Fulham 1-0 on Monday thanks to a first-minute strike from Antoine Semenyo and they deserve great credit for holding onto that lead for such a long time against a strong Cottagers outfit. 

As aforementioned, a seven-game winless run preceded that victory but, just as they did last season, Bournemouth lay claim to being the Premier League’s unluckiest side in terms of expected goals. 

Bournemouth sit eighth on 48 points but, under Andoni Iraloa’s expert management, they should really be higher. Understat’s expected points table has them third on 57 points, meaning that if they had scored all the chances they should have and their opponents had not netted shots they probably shouldn’t have, the Cherries would be playing Champions League football next term. 

Evanilson eager to continue fine form

While their finishing could certainly improve, these things usually even themselves out eventually and siding with the underlying data at Selhurst Park could be the best punting play in this clash. 

The Cherries, who may also be boosted by the return of Justin Kluivert, are unbeaten in three matches against Palace and the disastrous nature of the Eagles’ last two defensive performances makes them hard to support in a clash with a side who have generated 65.22 expected goals in the Premier League, a figure only bettered by Liverpool’s 77.03. 

The Eagles have won their last four home matches, however, and Selhurst Park will be fired up as they look to get behind their team ahead of next week’s FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa, so keep the draw on side. 

Brazilian forward Evanilson missed a large part of the season through injury but has returned with a bang. He has netted four of Bournemouth’s last five goals, including both in their 2-2 draw at West Ham in their last away game, and is the standout scorer pick in this clash, which could finish 2-1 in the Cherries’ favour.