The M23 derby resumes at Selhurst Park as Crystal Palace faces Brighton & Hove Albion in a high-stakes encounter for Premier League points.
Match Preview:
Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace showcased resilience in a remarkable 2-2 draw against Manchester City, staging a late comeback that halted City’s title charge.
Despite spending most of the match defending, goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta and Michael Olise secured a crucial point. The result marked a pivotal moment, preventing Palace from succumbing to three consecutive defeats.
Palace, currently 15th in the Premier League, enjoys an eight-point cushion above the relegation zone. The draw against City injected confidence into a team that had faced criticism during a challenging winter period.
Brighton & Hove Albion, on the other hand, suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal, following their historic Europa League clash against Marseille.
Despite the loss, the Seagulls remain in a respectable ninth position in the league. Manager De Zerbi acknowledged Arsenal’s dominance but remains optimistic about his team’s overall performance.
Brighton ended a seven-game winless run in the M23 derby with a 1-0 victory over Palace in March.
However, they enter this clash without a Premier League away clean sheet this season, presenting a challenge for the defensively vulnerable Seagulls.
Team News:
Crystal Palace faces defensive concerns with Joel Ward’s hamstring injury and a growing list of sidelined players, including Cheick Doucoure and Odsonne Edouard.
However, Jordan Ayew’s return from suspension and the potential inclusion of young talents Matheus Franca and David Ozoh provide Hodgson with options.
Brighton’s injury worries include Joel Veltman’s potential absence, adding to the existing list that includes Julio Enciso and Solly March.
Jack Hinshelwood may step in as an emergency right-back, while Danny Welbeck’s return is a positive note.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Crystal Palace: (4-2-3-1)
Henderson;
Clyne, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell;
Riedewald, Richards;
Olise, Eze, Ayew;
Mateta
Brighton & Hove Albion: (4-2-3-1)
Steele;
Hinshelwood, Dunk, Van Hecke, Igor;
Gross, Baleba;
Adingra, Pedro, Mitoma;
Ferguson
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
History suggests a closely contested match, with five of the last eight encounters ending in a 1-1 draw.
Crystal Palace’s comeback against City might serve as a catalyst for a turnaround, while Brighton, dealing with injuries and fatigue, may fall short once again in the capital.