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While Bournemouth against Palace might not be the most anticipated Premier League boxing day match, it surely is one of the most evenly matched, holding good betting potential as well.
After a very slow start, Bournemouth picked themselves up recently and posted a hugely surprising run of three consecutive wins – even more impressive as they beat Chelsea and Manchester City in this run. The hosts are undefeated for 5 matches and climbed from the last place to the 14th place in the standings. However, Bournemouth had a lot of luck to post these results and last rounds’ match against West Brom was a perfect example – a 2-1 win via an 87`th minute penalty, after playing an hour with an extra man.
Crystal Palace is sitting on the 6th place in the Premier League, tied with the 4th spot, coming after a 2-1 win at Stoke. It was the 3rd win in 4 matches for Palace, the other result being a draw at Everton. Alan Pardew really took this side a step up in quality, as Palace are playing very consistent football and looking like legit contenders for an Europa League qualifying spot.
Bet on Bournemouth vs. Palace in the Premier League with high odds at 18Bet.com.
Team news & lineups:
Bournemouth continues to struggle with injuries. Gradel, Elphick, Mings, Atsu, Tomlins and Wilson are out, while Stanislas and King are doubtful. Crystal Palace has question marks over the fitness of Cabaye and Wickham, but will definitely miss Appiah, Sako, Gayle and Jedinak.
Bournemouth: Boruc – Smith, Francis, Cook, Daniels – Ritchie, Gosling, Surman, Arter, Pugh – Murray
Crystal Palace: Hennessey – Ward, Dann, Delaney, Souare – Ledley, McArthur, Puncheon – Zaha, Chamakh, Lee
Listen, Bournemouth deserves a lot of credit for the recent heroics, but you have to feel the stars really aligned for them. They met teams in horrible form, scored late goals, penalties, opponents had players sent off. Bournemouth is playing well, but not great. Palace on the other hand has been in good form all season, playing solid football and proving themselves as a trustworthy team, very hard to beat.
Hard to separate these two sides right now and a tied game seems like the most likely scenario – it would also be a result that satisfies both teams, as none wants to lose on Boxing day. A tactical midfield battle without too many goal scoring opportunities looks like a probable outcome. Palace is the better team, in a vacuum they should win, but Bournemouth plays at home and has a lot of confidence.
I strongly feel that this match will end in a draw and that the odds are just great for such a result. However, I will take some security and will tip the draw on the Palace no bet market – meaning we get a void bet if Palace wins. I reckon the visitors are more likely to win than Bournemouth, so I want to have that safety net – but I reckon both sides will add to their undefeated run today. Prediction: Bournemouth – Crystal Palace 1-1.
Pick: Crystal Palce no bet – Draw
Odds: 2.25 @ Ladbrokes
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 10
Event date: 26 December
