The Gameweek 18 of the English Premier League starts tomorrow with the match between Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion. Crystal Palace will host the Seagulls at Selhurst Park Stadium, aiming to get back on the winning track following their five-match winless run.
Crystal Palace are having a difficult season this season. They earned only 17 points from their first 17 games in the English Premier League. Brighton, on the other hand, are also not in their best form as they were last season. The Seagulls ended the last season in 6th, securing their participation in the European competition for the very first time.
However, it seems the honeymoon period is over for Roberto de Zerbi’s boys. They are now in 9th with 26 points from the first 17 games.
Stats & Facts
- Brighton are unbeaten in their last four games against Crystal Palace in the English Premier League.
- At Selhurst Park, the home of Crystal Palace, Brighton are also unbeaten in their last four encounters. All those four meetings ended in a dramatic 1-1 tie.
- Midweek games have been a curse for Crystal Palace. They are winless in their last five midweek games. In addition, the Eagles also failed to score a single goal in each of those five matches.
- Meanwhile, Brighton have registered five victories in their last eight midweek matches in the EPL.
- Crystal Palace’s home records are below average this season. They have lost four consecutive home games in the league. A defeat over Brighton would see them loosing five matches in a row for the first time since 2017.
Team News
Crystal Palace’s Joel Ward was substituted in the 34th minute during the thrilling match against Man City. Palace boss, however, didn’t provide any updates on him. But Crystal Palace will miss the service of Cheick Doucoure, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, Rob Holding, Sam Johnstone, Odsonne Edouard, and Jefferson Lerma due to their respective injury.
Anyway, Jordan Ayew is back again following his one-game suspension, while Eberechi Eze has returned to from an injury.
As for Brighton, right-back Joel Veltman got a knock during the match against Arsenal, and is likely to miss tomorrow’s game. Brighton’s injury list includes, Julio Enciso, Solly March, Tariq Lamptey, Pervis Estupinan, and Ansu Fati.
Possible Lineup for Crystal Palace:
Henderson; Clyne, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Riedewald, Richards; Olise, Eze, Ayew; Mateta
Possible Lineup for Brighton & Hove Albion:
Steele; Hinshelwood, Dunk, Van Hecke, Igor; Gross, Baleba; Adingra, Pedro, Mitoma; Ferguson
Prediction: Palace 1-1 Brighton
Although Crystal Palace are having a tough season, they stunned Manchester City in their last league encounter. Despite conceding two goals in the game, the Eagles returned two more goals in the dying moment and tied the game.
This draw against Man City will massively inspire them against Brighton. But it will be a difficult task to beat the Seagulls at Selhurt Park.
Betfair Odds
Crystal: 3.28
Draw: 3.47
Brighton: 2.24
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