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Premier League: AFC Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace
Kickoff Time: 2026-5-3 21:00 (HKT)
Bournemouth drew 2-2 at home to Leeds United in the last round. The side have gone unbeaten for fourteen consecutive league matches and have emerged as a strong contender for a European qualification spot. Under the management of Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth have adopted a highly aggressive tactical style. Tactically, Bournemouth mainly adopt a high press, opting to impose pressure during the opposition’s build-up in their own half and disrupt their attacking plays at the source. Once they win back possession and switch from defence to attack, they launch offensive moves instantly with a fast and direct style of play. Furthermore, Bournemouth not only pursue a higher possession rate than most mid-table teams but also show outstanding attacking intent, registering an average of 13.2 shots per game.
Crystal Palace claimed a comfortable 3-1 away victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the midweek UEFA Europa Conference League tie. They took the upper hand in the two-legged fixture and have seized the initiative to advance to the final. For Crystal Palace, the Europa Conference League has become their top priority, as they have little room for improvement in the league. The team have also clearly held back in their last two league outings, notching just one draw and one defeat. In addition, Crystal Palace continue to be plagued by extensive injury problems. Although Jean-Philippe Mateta has returned from injury, Eddie Nketiah and Evann Guessand are still sidelined. Injuries to players such as Cheick Oumar Doucouré and Caleb Kporha have also left Crystal Palace’s defence looking fragile.
Undoubtedly, Bournemouth, competing only in domestic league football, hold a clear fitness advantage over Crystal Palace. They also boast superior league form compared to their opponents. Coupled with Crystal Palace’s run of successive away games, the side are inevitably fatigued both physically and mentally. All things considered, Bournemouth, with home advantage in this fixture, are tipped to claim all three points.
AFC Bournemouth’s Last 5 Games: DWWDD
26-04-23 AFC Bournemouth 2-2 Leeds United
26-04-18 Newcastle United 1-2 AFC Bournemouth
26-04-11 Arsenal 1-2 AFC Bournemouth
26-03-21 AFC Bournemouth 2-2 Manchester United
26-03-14 Burnley 0-0 AFC Bournemouth
Crystal Palace ‘s Last 5 Games: WLDLW
26-05-01 Shakhtar Donetsk 1-3 Crystal Palace
26-04-25 Liverpool 3-1 Crystal Palace
26-04-21 Crystal Palace 0-0 West Ham
26-04-17 Fiorentina 2-1 Crystal Palace
26-04-12 Crystal Palace 2-1 Newcastle
Head-To-Head Record
25-10-18 Crystal Palace 3-3 AFC Bournemouth
25-04-19 Crystal Palace 0-0 AFC Bournemouth
24-12-26 AFC Bournemouth 0-0 Crystal Palace
24-04-03 AFC Bournemouth 1-0 Crystal Palace
24-12-07 Crystal Palace 0-2 AFC Bournemouth
Prediction: AFC Bournemouth win at home