Two of the **Premier League**’s surprise packages meet this weekend, as high-flying Bournemouth travel to face an equally confident Crystal Palace side in South London.
Palace return from the international break looking to respond after their first defeat of the season; a late 2-1 loss away to Everton that ended their remarkable 19-game unbeaten run in the league.
**Oliver Glasner**’s side were moments away from extending that streak before a deflected Jack Grealish strike deep into stoppage time denied them what would have been a historic twentieth match without defeat.
Even so, the Eagles’ form has exceeded expectations; sitting sixth in the table and still unbeaten at Selhurst Park, Glasner will be eager for his players to turn frustration into fuel for another run after Merseyside disappointment.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, arrive in the capital full of confidence and momentum, continuing to shine under Andoni Iraola in what is their best-ever start to a Premier League campaign.
Their 3-1 comeback win over Fulham before the break, led by another standout performance from Antoine Semenyo, lifted them into fourth and reinforced their growing European ambitions.
With both sides flying high and playing fearless football, Saturday’s clash promises to be one of the weekend’s most intriguing fixtures.
Head-to-head
Coincidentally, **Palace**’s recent unbeaten run began against Bournemouth back in April this year, when the two sides played out a goalless draw despite the Eagles being reduced to ten men.
Both meetings between the clubs last season ended 0-0, and history could be made if Saturday’s game follows suit.
It would become just the fifth Premier League fixture ever to see three consecutive goalless draws.
The Cherries have kept four consecutive clean sheets against **Glasner**’s side, with the Londoners failing to score in their last four league meetings against Bournemouth.
However, the Eagles are unbeaten in their last nine league home games with five wins and four draws, making them strong opposition in front of their fans.
Bournemouth have won four of their last six Premier League matches and are among the division’s form teams.
Moreover, both of their recent away wins have come in London against Arsenal and Tottenham, a record they will be hoping to extend at Selhurst Park and extend the superb start.
Crystal Palace
Glasner has few injury worries ahead of the game, with only Cheick Doucoure and **Chadi Riad**out with knee problems and Caleb Kporha struggling with a back issue.
Adam Wharton, who was once again overlooked for England duty, will be ready to feature, whilst Jean-Philippe Mateta is set to lead the line amid recent transfer interest from Barcelona and Manchester United, meaning the Eagles will be fresh for the test.
Bournemouth
For the visitors, Iraola could welcome back Adam Smith from a thigh issue, though Enes Ünal remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.
David Brooks is a late doubt with a minor muscle problem picked up against Belgium whilst playing for Wales.
Likely lineups
Crystal Palace
Henderson, Richards, Lacroix, Guehi, Munoz, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell, Sarr, Pino, Mateta
Bournemouth
Petrovic, Jimenez, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert, Adams, Christie, Tavernier, Kluivert, Semenyo, Evanilson
Key players
Crystal Palace: Adam Wharton
One of the Premier League’s most composed young midfielders, Adam Wharton continues to impress at the heart of **Palace**’s setup.
His ability to control tempo and distribute under pressure has been vital to **Glasner**’s possession-based approach.
Against a high-energy Bournemouth side that likes to press, **Wharton**’s calmness and ball retention could prove decisive in trying to combat it and expose shortcomings on the pitch.
Often acting as the link between defence and attack, his range of passing will be key to unlocking Bournemouth’s compact midfield.
If Palace are to maintain their unbeaten home record, Wharton will likely be at the centre of it.
Bournemouth: Antoine Semenyo
Antoine Semenyo has been nothing short of sensational for Bournemouth this season.
With nine goal contributions already, only behind Erling Haaland in the league, the Ghanaian has become the focal point of **Iraola**’s dynamic attack.
Strong, direct, and clinical in front of goal, **Semenyo**’s combination play with Marcus Tavernier, Justin Kluivert, and Evanilson has made the Cherries one of the league’s most fluid attacking units.
His power and movement could test Palace’s solid back three, particularly in transitions where Bournemouth have excelled this season.
If the Cherries are to find a way through Palace’s sturdy defence, Semenyo is the man most likely to make it happen and will thrive if the game becomes chaotic.
Match details
Where is the game being played?
Crystal Palace’s home ground, Selhurst Park, is the venue for this match.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off between Crystal Palace vs Bournemouth will be at 15:00 GMT on Saturday 18 October 2025.
Will the game be televised?
No, the game will not be televised in the UK due to 3 pm blackout rules.