Premier League: Eagles and Cherries Convene in Battle of the Gatecrashers

Crystal Palace vs Bournemouth

Two of the English top-flight’s surprise packages are set to duel this weekend, as Crystal Palace host Bournemouth at Selhurst Park this Saturday. Both of these teams can actually make a run at the top, especially with Liverpool experiencing a dip in form.

Bournemouth are fourth in the Premier League standings with 14 points, level with third-seeded Tottenham. Andoni Iraola’s side are undefeated in their last six matches since a 4-2 league loss against Liverpool and a 2-0 loss to Brentford in the EFL Cup second round last August.

On the other hand, Crystal Palace are sixth in the table with 12 points. Oliver Glasner’s men were one of the few undefeated teams in the league, starting their 2025-26 campaign with three victories and three draws. However, their unbeaten streak ended with a 2-1 result against Everton before the international break.

Check out today’s SBOTOP preview by reading more below.

 

Talking Points

Wharton is Crystal Palace’s midfield maestro

A key reason for Crystal Palace’s early success this season (despite selling Eberechi Eze this summer) has been their midfielder, Adam Wharton, who has been one of the Premier League’s most impactful players. The 21-year-old has been selected multiple times by the England national team recently, and it’s not a surprise because he can influence matches in a multitude of ways.

Wharton is the quintessential box-to-box midfielder, as he is a relentless ball hawk, a smooth dribbler, and a top playmaker. Despite not having a goal or an assist to his name this season, Wharton is one of the English top-flight’s leaders in chances created (11), big chances created (five), possessions won (27), dribbles completed (six), expected assists per match (1.34), and has won five of his six tackles. 

He plays alongside Daichi Kamada at the centre of the park, with Tyrick Mitchell and Daniel Munoz on the wings. Up front, Crystal Palace have Yeremy Pino, Ismaila Sarr, and Jean-Philippe Mateta, with Eddie Nketiah coming off the bench.

And at the back, Marc Guehi, Maxence Lacroix, and Chris Richards provide adequate cover for goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who already has three clean sheets this term.

 

Semenyo is on fire for Bournemouth

Antoine Semenyo is a coveted man at the Vitality Stadium, as the 25-year-old winger has been firing on all cylinders for Bournemouth. With six goals already, he is second behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in the Premier League Golden Boot race.

He inspired the Cherries’ 3-1 comeback win over Fulham last time out, as he bagged a brace after Ryan Sessegnon scored the first goal of the match in the 70th minute. Before this, Semenyo also found the back of the net against Leeds United, Brighton, and Liverpool.

Semenyo has caught the eye of several top clubs (including Liverpool) because of his purple patch. According to reports, his contract with Bournemouth includes a release clause that’s expected to be close to £70 million.

 

History

Both Premier League meetings between Crystal Palace and Bournemouth last season finished goalless. In the competition’s history, only four fixtures have gone goalless three consecutive times, with the last one being Charlton vs. Middlesbrough in the 2001-02 season.

Crystal Palace have failed to score in each of their last four Premier League matches against Bournemouth (D2, L2). The only side the Eagles have ever gone at least five consecutive games without a goal against in the competition is Tottenham (from August 2016 to September 2019). However, the Eagles are unbeaten in their last nine Premier League home games (W5, D4).

Bournemouth have won four of their last six Premier League games (D2), as many as their previous 16 beforehand (D4, L8). However, the Cherries have only won two of their last nine Premier League away matches (D4, L3).

 

Betting Tip

The Premier League 2025 odds predict a close fight between Crystal Palace and Bournemouth. Because they’re playing at home, the Eagles have the slight edge at 2.21, while the Cherries aren’t far behind at 2.99, and a draw is pegged at 3.02 in the 1X2 market. Predicting the outcome of this match is tough because these two teams are evenly matched on paper.

However, what we’re certain of is that Crystal Palace and Bournemouth should create new Premier League 2025 highlights this Saturday, making alternatives like Over 2.25 at 1.66, Over 2.50 at 1.95, and Over 2.75 at 2.19 worth considering, in addition to our recommended bet. Moreover, a Correct Score of 0-0 – the result of their two previous encounters – is on offer at 10.50.

   

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