Premier League: Can Eagles Deal Blow to Brighton’s European Dreams?

Crystal Palace vs Brighton & Hove Albion

Fierce rivals Crystal Palace and Brighton are set to collide for the first time this Premier League season as they meet at Selhurst Park.

The Seagulls are flying high in sixth place and are in the midst of a six-game unbeaten run in all competitions as their dreams of European football continue to look strong.

As for the Eagles, they are trending in the opposite direction as they’ve gone winless in their last six and have just one win in their last 10 matches as the pressure continues to pile on manager Patrick Vieira.

Can Crystal Palace snap their recent skid and deal a blow to Brighton’s Premier League 2023 odds of securing a European spot?

Talking Points

Eagles struggling in Vieira’s second season

Crystal Palace are suffering from a bad case of second-season syndrome under Patrick Vieira. The Eagles are in 12th place – which is where they finished in their first season under Vieira – but they have taken a massive step back in recent months.

Palace’s Premier League 2023 results have been disastrous. They have yet to win this calendar year, with three defeats and two draws.

Scoring goals has been a glaring problem for Palace. They have scored just four goals in their last eight Premier League matches, which is a concerning number.

Star forward and leading scorer Wilfried Zaha missed their most recent match, a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, due to a hamstring injury, and his continued absence makes Palace’s attacking woes much worse.

It remains to be seen which of Crystal Palace’s forwards will step up in Zaha’s absence. The likes of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise have been underwhelming, while strikers Odsonne Edouard and Jean-Philippe Mateta have been misfiring all season.

As if Crystal Palace’s attacking problems weren’t enough, they also have issues at the back as starting defenders Joel Ward and Joachim Andersen are both still out injured. Nathaniel Clyne and American Chris Richards will likely continue to deputise in their absence.

Box office Brighton keep winning

Brighton are unbeatable at the moment. They are currently on a six-game unbeaten run in all competitions, including two home wins against Liverpool both in the league and the FA Cup.

Kaoru Mitoma has been a massive reason for the Seagulls’ recent surge. The Japanese international has been in phenomenal form of late, with 5 goals in his last 7 games. That includes the dramatic late winning goals against Liverpool in the FA Cup and Bournemouth last time out in the league.

Roberto De Zerbi brought Moises Caicedo on as a substitute after his failed move to Arsenal, and the young Colombian might make his return to the Brighton midfield against Palace.

Meanwhile, teenager centre-forward Evan Ferguson missed the Bournemouth match after picking up a knock against Liverpool. But the young Irishman escaped serious injury after Fabinho’s poor tackle and might be back in contention to start. if he doesn’t pass fit, veteran Danny Welbeck will likely start once again.

Brighton have been absolute box office away from home this season. They have collected 17 points from their 10 away games, which is tied for third-most in the league. Moreover, they are tied with Leicester City for the most away goals this season with 21.

History

There have been 10 A23 derbies during the Premier League era, and it has been quite competitive. Crystal Palace have a slight 3-2 edge in terms of wins, while half of the 10 matches have ended in draws.

However, Palace have had the upper hand in this rivalry in recent years. The Eagles are unbeaten in their last six meetings against the Seagulls, with 2 wins and 4 draws.

The two sides drew both matches last season 1-1. Brighton needed a late equaliser on both occasions to pick up a point.

Betting Tip

SBOTOP odds have Brighton installed as 2.06 favourites to pick up their first win in the A23 derby since 2019. Palace are priced at 3.55, while a draw is 3.35.

While the form book usually goes out the window in a derby, it’s hard not to back Brighton in this match.

The Seagulls are simply flying at the moment, with Roberto De Zerbi getting a tune out of virtually every player on the squad. Meanwhile, it’s the exact opposite at Palace, where Patrick Vieira is struggling to rediscover last season’s magic.

Look for Brighton to keep their good run going and get that much-awaited A23 derby win against Crystal Palace.

 

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