Prediction: Brighton vs Crystal Palace

Prediction: Brighton win

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: 888sport

There are plenty of fixtures out there that may seem trivial to some fans but to others, they’re more important than any other on the calendar. Derby day tends to be the biggest and best example of that, especially in the Premier League, where the top dogs reside. Today, we’re going to take a look at the upcoming meeting between two of England’s strangest rivals – Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace.

Brighton

After questions were raised regarding the legitimacy of Graham Potter and whether or not he could sustain the success he’s been having with Brighton, it appears as if the club decided to respond with a string of really solid performances. They’re positioned nicely for a run at Europe between now and May and if they can bring in a few new faces in January, they could start to build up some nice momentum.

Team News

Sarmiento is out through injury with Mwepu and Dunk currently being viewed as fitness concerns. Elsewhere, Bissouma is away on AFCON duty.

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace find themselves in 12th place with more than half the season gone and while that may feel far too familiar and dull for some supporters, others are able to recognise the outstanding progress they’ve made on the pitch under Patrick Vieira. If they can keep working hard at that in the weeks and months to come, it’s not out of the question to suggest they could be challenging for the top six in the next couple of years.

Team News

McArthur is the only confirmed injury absence with Schlupp expected to feature on some level, alongside Guaita who will return in goal. Ayew, Kouyate and Zaha are all away due to AFCON.

Factors to Consider

• Palace are unbeaten in their last five games against Brighton.
• Brighton have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
• Palace have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Brighton have scored nine goals and conceded six in their last six games.
• Palace have scored 12 goals and conceded 10 in their last six games.

Conclusion

Crystal Palace are going to try and work off of any nerves that Brighton may have in this game but after waiting so long to defeat their bitter rials, we don’t think the Seagulls are going to allow this opportunity to slip through the cracks. We expect them to score late in the first half, hold onto the lead and perhaps even add a 2nd goal on the counter to secure all three points.

Prediction: Brighton win

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: 888sport