MY ACCOUNT
– Four of Bournemouth’s last five league games have produced three goals or more
– Only Leeds have conceded more goals this season than Bournemouth’s 67
– Recommended bet: Over 3.5 goals
Bournemouth looked destined for relegation for much of this season but a run of four wins from their last six matches has seen them fly up the table and has driven them to the brink of safety.
The Cherries visit a side just a point ahead of them, Crystal Palace, looking to confirm their Premier League status for another season.
The Eagles have had a similarly good run of form, losing just two of their last seven, as Roy Hodgson has helped guide them to mid-table in his second stint as boss.
With two in-form sides who are both almost certainly safe, the pair could put on a show in south London for their fans.
Team news
Crystal Palace’s James McArthur and Jeffrey Schlupp are doubts with a hamstring strain and a knock respectively, while longer term absentees Nathan Ferguson, James Tomkins and Luka Milivojevic are all out.
Bournemouth will be without Hamed Traore, Marcus Tavernier, Ryan Fredericks and Junior Stanislas for this tie through injury, Kieffer Moore suffered a concussion recently and is still being assessed to determine his availability.
The stats
Crystal Palace might expect to make a fast start in this clash, after all they have scored the opening goal in each of the last four Premier League meetings with these opponents.
The Eagles have also enjoyed four successive league wins over the Cherries and will be aiming to extend that record.
Bournemouth are on a run of six wins from their last 10 matches, however, so will not roll over for their hosts here.
Gary O’Neil’s side have been involved in a number of high-scoring affairs recently, with their last five matches seeing 19 goals scored.
Prediction
While on paper both teams have little to play for with Premier League survival all but secured and a mid-table finish likely, they will want to end the season on a high and could put on an entertaining clash.
Crystal Palace will be hoping to extend their good run against Bournemouth and will be encouraged by the Cherries’ poor defensive record, they have allowed the second-most goals in the division.
However, Gary O’Neil’s men have shown their abilities going forward in this campaign, helping fire themselves to safety and they can contribute to a game which is fancied to have four goals or more.
Palace’s last home game finished 4-3 to the hosts and while a repeat of that may be beyond the realms of possibility, these two look set to put on a high-scoring tie.
Back over 3.5 goals in the match at 11/5 with LiveScore Bet
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