Crystal Palace welcome AFC Bournemouth to Selhurst Park on Saturday, 18 October, in a clash that brings together two sides riding high in the early Premier League standings.
With both teams boasting defensive resilience and sharp attacking options—plus a rich recent head-to-head history—this fixture looks set to provide fireworks. The 3:00 PM kick-off sees sixth-placed Palace looking to close the gap on fourth-placed Bournemouth, who have been clinical in front of goal but will have their work cut out against a side with aerial dominance and a strong home record.
Best Bets & Predictions
Based on recent form, statistical trends, and player impact, here are our top betting recommendations for this match. We’re particularly confident in Crystal Palace to edge a tight contest at home, thanks to their xG advantage and head-to-head success.
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jean-Philippe Mateta To Score and Crystal Palace To Win | 14/5 @ Betway (26.3%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Crystal Palace have been in great form this season, despite losing last time out, winning three and drawing three of the opening six games of the Premier League season. Their long unbeaten run stretched all the way back to April but came to an end thanks to a late goal from Everton a fortnight ago. Jean-Philippe Mateta has been in decent form this season, scoring five goals in all competitions. The latest of those came in his first start for France and he’ll be riding high following his first goal for his country. |
| Both Teams to Score: Yes | 7/10 @ Bet365 (58.8%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Both sides have scored more than a goal a game on average this season, with Crystal Palace scoring nine in seven and Bournemouth finding the net 11 times in the same period. Both teams have scored in three of the last four matches featuring either of these sides giving a bit more credence to this selection. |
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Crystal Palace vs Bournemouth match odds
How both teams head into Crystal Palace vs Bournemouth
Crystal Palace experienced their first loss since April last time out, falling to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Everton. It ended a great run for the Eagles and they’ll be hoping that it was just a minor blip in what has been a tremendous start to the season. Oliver Glasner has led his side to sixth in the Premier League table, with wins over Aston Villa, West Ham and Liverpool lifting Crystal Palace into one of their best ever starts to a Premier League campaign.
Another side that have performed well above expectations this season is Bournemouth. Andoni Iraola’s side have achieved their best ever start to a Premier League season, winning four of their opening seven games and sitting in fourth position. The Cherries lost to Liverpool on the opening day of the season but haven’t experienced a loss since then, beating Tottenham, Brighton and Fulham along the way.
Season Form & Standings
Crystal Palace and AFC Bournemouth have started strongly, with Bournemouth just two points clear after seven games. Palace boast the league’s third-best defence (5 conceded), while Bournemouth’s 11 goals highlight their attacking intent.
| Team | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFC Bournemouth | 4 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 11 | 8 | +3 | 14 |
| Crystal Palace | 6 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 9 | 5 | +4 | 12 |
Crystal Palace team news
Cheick Doucoure and Caleb Kporha are not expected to feature in this tie, with both being weeks away from returning. There could be better news for Chadi Riad, who could make his return from a knee injury.
Bournemouth team news
Bournemouth have no definite absentees but Adam Smith and Enes Unal are doubts. Both players have been out for a while but they could make their returns from injury in this contest.
Head-to-head
Crystal Palace have enjoyed the better of this fixture in recent years, winning 6 of the last 13 meetings, with the Cherries taking 3 and 4 drawn. Recent encounters have often been tight, with neither side able to dominate for long stretches.
Last 6 Meetings
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 19/04/25 | Crystal Palace 0-0 AFC Bournemouth | Premier League |
| 26/12/24 | AFC Bournemouth 0-0 Crystal Palace | Premier League |
| 02/04/24 | AFC Bournemouth 1-0 Crystal Palace | Premier League |
| 06/12/23 | Crystal Palace 0-2 AFC Bournemouth | Premier League |
| 13/05/23 | Crystal Palace 2-0 AFC Bournemouth | Premier League |
| 31/12/22 | AFC Bournemouth 0-2 Crystal Palace | Premier League |
Conclusion: Who takes the points?
This is a meeting of two well-organised sides, each with a reliable defence and a handful of attacking match-winners. Palace’s superior xG and home advantage are hard to ignore, but Bournemouth’s clinical edge—especially from midfield—means they cannot be discounted. Will Palace convert their chances at last, or will Bournemouth’s midfield continue to deliver? Our best bet is Jean-Philippe Mateta To Score and Crystal Palace To Win at 14/5 (26.3% @ Betway).
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.