EPL: Crystal Palace v AFC Bournemouth preview
Crystal Palace v AFC Bournemouth preview
Crystal Palace will look to build on their recent run of good form in Saturday's clash against Bournemouth at Selhurst Park.
Palace looked dead and buried after amassing just four points from their first 11 Premier League matches but Roy Hodgson has managed to get a response from his players in recent weeks.
The Eagles have picked up draws against West Brom, Brighton and Everton whilst a 2-1 victory over Stoke City was wedged in between, results which have seen the club climb to 18th in the table.
Just a third Premier League win of the campaign could see the relegation-threatened side move level on points with the Baggies but Hodgson is facing some fitness concerns ahead of the home clash.
Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey has only just returned to training after a back spasm whilst midfielder James McArthur and defender Joel Ward are doubts due to illness and a groin problem respectively.
Bournemouth head into the match without a win in three, leaving the club in 14th, and a ninth defeat of the season would see the Cherries dragged even further into the relegation scrap.
Eddie Howe's men did manage a 1-1 draw against Southampton in the south-coast derby last time out but the manager has said he will be rotating his squad during the busy festive period.
Junior Stanislas and Jermain Defoe both returned against the Saints and the latter will be hoping to retain his starting place although Callum Wilson is pushing hard for a recall.
Tyrone Mings and Brad Smith are still absent, although both players are training on the grass again, Adam Federici is also back in light training but Adam Smith will be missing due to suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card.
88.com best odds have Palace to win at evens draw at 49/20 Bournemouth win 3/1 as well as great odds on the Manchester & Liverpool derbies
The Eagles have picked up draws against West Brom, Brighton and Everton whilst a 2-1 victory over Stoke City was wedged in between, results which have seen the club climb to 18th in the table.
Just a third Premier League win of the campaign could see the relegation-threatened side move level on points with the Baggies but Hodgson is facing some fitness concerns ahead of the home clash.
Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey has only just returned to training after a back spasm whilst midfielder James McArthur and defender Joel Ward are doubts due to illness and a groin problem respectively.
Bournemouth head into the match without a win in three, leaving the club in 14th, and a ninth defeat of the season would see the Cherries dragged even further into the relegation scrap.
Eddie Howe's men did manage a 1-1 draw against Southampton in the south-coast derby last time out but the manager has said he will be rotating his squad during the busy festive period.
Junior Stanislas and Jermain Defoe both returned against the Saints and the latter will be hoping to retain his starting place although Callum Wilson is pushing hard for a recall.
Tyrone Mings and Brad Smith are still absent, although both players are training on the grass again, Adam Federici is also back in light training but Adam Smith will be missing due to suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card.
88.com best odds have Palace to win at evens draw at 49/20 Bournemouth win 3/1 as well as great odds on the Manchester & Liverpool derbies