Crystal Palace Bournemouth 2025-10-18 17:00 Betting tips

Crystal Palace are on a confident run, having lost just once in their opening seven fixtures. In their last three Premier League matches, the team secured two away wins against Aston Villa (0-3) and West Ham (1-2), and also defeated Liverpool (2-1) at home. Their LWWDW form highlights growing attacking prowess: they've scored 7 goals in the last three rounds. Meanwhile, their defence remains solid – conceding only 5 goals all season, the best record in the mid-table. At home, the Eagles are unbeaten but play cautious football: two 0-0 draws in three home games.

Bournemouth are positioned higher in the table, occupying 4th place, and are showing consistent WDDWW form. The team is unbeaten in their last four outings, including an away win at Tottenham (0-1) and a home victory over Brighton (2-1). However, the last two matches have shown a trend of decreasing efficiency in front of goal: two goals in two games and a draw with Leeds (2-2) where they let a win slip. Their away stats are mixed: 5 goals scored and 6 conceded in three matches, pointing to a vulnerable defence on the road.

Statistical insights highlight the clash of two strong defensive systems. Crystal Palace concede an average of 0.71 goals per game, while Bournemouth concede 1.14. Both teams show a high percentage of clean sheets: 43% for the hosts and 29% for the visitors. In attack, the visitors look slightly more productive (1.57 goals per game vs the hosts' 1.29), but their efficiency away from home drops. Recent head-to-head meetings show a low-scoring trend: three of the last four matches have ended 0-0, and no goals were scored in the last two encounters. Both teams rarely lose: Palace have only one defeat, and Bournemouth have just one as well.

Tactically, the match will likely boil down to a midfield battle and fast counter-attacks. Crystal Palace, especially buoyed by their win over Liverpool, will rely on an organised defence and the pace of their forwards on the break. Bournemouth, with a more balanced game, will try to control possession and find gaps in the hosts' compact defence. A key duel will be between the visitors' attacking midfielders and Palace's defensive block, which has conceded only two goals at home. Both teams are expected to play prudently, wary of conceding early, which could lead to a cagey first half.

Considering the teams' current form, their defensive solidity, and head-to-head history, the most likely outcome appears to be a draw. Crystal Palace are strong at home and unbeaten, but show low productivity on their own ground. Bournemouth are consistent, but their attack has been less effective in the last two rounds. A hard-fought battle with a minimum of goals is expected. Considering a 0-0 or 1-1 scoreline is recommended. Verdict: Draw.