Bournemouth host Crystal Palace on Boxing Day looking to get into top four of the Premier League.
You read that correctly.
WATCH —Bournemouth v Crystal Palace
Andoni Iraola’s side sit fifth in the table, three points off the top four, after their superb 3-0 win at Manchester United on Sunday. The Cherries are defying all expectations this season and Iraola’s high-pressing dangerous counter-attacking team are horrible to play against.
Crystal Palace were hammered 5-1 at home by Arsenal on Saturday but Oliver Glasner’s side have been in good form in recent weeks to drag themselves away from the relegation zone. But they’re still just four points above the drop zone heading into Boxing Day.
How to watch Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 10am ET Thursday (December 26)
Venue: Vitality Stadium — Bournemouth
TV Channel: Peacock
Streaming: Watch live on Peacock
Bournemouth team news, focus
The Cherries are likely to go with the front four of Evanilson, Kluivert, Semenyo and Ouattara once again as they have a very settled lineup. They have picked up some big injuries in recent weeks but Huljsen and Ouattara have stepped in admirably for Senesi and Tavernier respectively. USMNT star Tyler Adams continues to go from strength to strength in Bournemouth’s midfield too.
OUT: Alex Scott (knee), Luis Sinisterra (hamstring), Julian Araujo (thigh), Marcos Senesi (thigh), Marcus Tavernier (hamstring)
Crystal Palace team news, focus
The Eagles are sweating on the fitness of star attacker Eze. Munoz is back from suspension which is a big boost at right wing-back. Palace will look to make it tough for Bournemouth to launch counters and then launch plenty of their own.
OUT: Adam Wharton (groin), Rob Holding (undisclosed), Matheus Franca (groin) | QUESTIONABLE: Chadi Riad (fitness), Eberechi Eze (ankle)
Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace prediction
This will be a game all about controlling the transitions and Bournemouth are in slightly better form and their press is incredible. They’ll just edge it. Bournemouth 2-1 Crystal Palace.