Palace’s 19 game unbeaten run in all competitions was ended before the international break at the hands of Everton, meaning Bournemouth inherited the longest unbeaten streak in the league at six games.
Andoni Iraola’s Cherries head to Selhurst Park in the top four – and they’ll be hoping to continue their momentum in what has been an excellent start to the campaign.
The Daily Echo previews Saturday’s game.
**Team news**
Iraola has close to a fully fit Bournemouth squad to choose from, with only Enes Unal a long-term absentee from the team.
Adam Smith was definitely out until the international break, and, if all has gone smoothly with his recovery, he may have been back involved with the squad in the break.
_(Image: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)_
It remains to be seen if Smith will be fit enough to return to the squad, with Iraola set to give an update in his press conference this morning.
For Palace, Oliver Glasner also has a largely fit squad, with Cheick Doucoure ruled out.
Like Smith for Bournemouth, Chadi Riad, was set to one who was out until the international break, so he may be in contention for a return to the squad.
**Head-to-head**
The Cherries have the marginally better historical record against Palace, but in recent years, there has been little to separate the two sides.
Two seasons ago, Bournemouth did the double over the Eagles, but since Glasner arrived in south London, there has just been one goal in three meetings.
That went the way of the Dorset side in April 2024, with Justin Kluivert netting with 11 minutes to play at the Vitality Stadium to snatch three points after what had been a very tight game.
_(Image: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)_
The two games last season could not have been closer, too, with two games without score – Bournemouth’s only 0-0s of the season.
Both sides cancelled each other out at Dean Court on Boxing Day, before the Cherries were unable to make the most of a man’s advantage for the second half at Selhurst Park in April after Chris Richards was sent off for the hosts.
**Last time out**
The Cherries have not tasted defeat in the league since the opening day at Anfield, and were victorious the weekend before the international break.
They beat Fulham 3-1, bouncing back from going a goal down with 20 minutes left to play to turn it around, Antoine Semenyo netting a brilliant brace and Justin Kluivert smashing home from distance.
Palace, meanwhile, saw an unbeaten run that spanned back to April end as they were beaten 2-1 by Everton.
They opened the scoring at the Hill Dickinson Stadium through Daniel Munoz, but goals from Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish turned the game around in the Toffees’ favour.
AFC Bournemouth travel to Crystal Palace on Saturday, October 18, kick off at 3pm.