Andoni Iraola expects a “tough” match on Boxing Day as Bournemouth host a Crystal Palace team at the top of the Premier League.
Bournemouth sit high in fifth place after 17 games, having overtaken reigning champions Manchester City following a stunning 3-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday.
They are now unbeaten in five matches and could even move into the top four if other results go their way on Boxing Day.
However, Iraola is wary of the threat Palace pose and has been impressed with the progress the Eagles have made in recent weeks.
“I think they are getting better results and performing better,” Iraola said.
“I even think I'm listening to it [Oliver] Glasner, he was the first to say physically that they are in a much better position now. They feel more confident, and I think you can see that in the games. It's going to be difficult.
“I think the match we played here against Palace with Glasner last season was super exciting. In the end it was decided by one goal from Justin. [Kluivert]But it was very flat, and I expected more or less the same.”
— Crystal Palace FC (@CPFC) December 23, 2024
Palace, meanwhile, were unbeaten in five games but two defeats to Arsenal in four days last week, including a 5-1 defeat in the Premier League, have hampered their progress.
The visitors have moved four points clear of the relegation zone and have been given a further boost, with Oliver Glasner expecting Eberechi Eze to be back in the squad for Thursday's match.
“It seems so [Eze will be back]Glasner said. “He trained [on Tuesday] and now we have to wait for the response, but it looks good, so Ebs will be back.
“The players look quite good. Of course, when you have a 1-5 defeat the mood is always a bit somber, but we analyzed it as we always do… and we prepare as we always do. “
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Bournemouth – Antoine Semenyo
Of all the players who have attempted 50 dribbles in the Premier League this season, only Jeremy Doku (58.6%) has a higher success rate than Antoine Semenyo (56.9% – 37/65).
ALWAYS BELIEVE
— AFC Bournemouth (@afcbournemouth) December 22, 2024
Crystal Palace – Ismaila Sarr
Ismaïla Sarr has been involved in six goals in his last six Premier League games (four goals, two assists), the same number as in his previous 32 games in the competition (four goals, two assists).
MATCH PREDICTION: BOURNEMOUTH WIN
After losing five consecutive Premier League games against Crystal Palace between 2019 and 2023, Bournemouth won both meetings with the Eagles without conceding last season.
Iraola's side have won four of their last five Premier League (D1) matches, the same number as in the previous fifteen. This is the last in a season that the Cherries are playing a top-flight match as they start the day in the top five. from the table.
Bournemouth have also not lost a home game on Boxing Day since 2003 (0-2 against Plymouth Argyle in the third tier), winning five and drawing three since. Last season they beat Fulham 3-0 at the Vitality Stadium.
However, Palace have kept four clean sheets in their seven away Premier League games against Bournemouth – no team they have recorded more on the road in the competition.
Although the Eagles have lost their last three Boxing Day matches, all 3-0. Palace have not lost four consecutive Boxing Day matches in the Third Division South since 1950 and 1953.
OPTA CHANCE OF WINNING
Bournemouth – 48.4%
Draw – 24.5%
Crystal Palace – 27.1%
Comments