Brighton & Hove Albion vs Crystal Palace
English Premier League, KO: 15:00 Feb 3, 2024, Amex Stadium
A closely fought encounter is expected as Brighton & Hove Albion host Crystal Palace in a Premier League clash on Saturday. There is often little to separate both teams in this fixture and given their form in recent weeks, they could be set to cancel each other out.
Brighton are coming off a disappointing 4-0 defeat to Luton Town in their previous Premier League fixture. They made a poor start, conceding two goals in the first three minutes and just could not find their way back from there.
Although that was the first defeat for Brighton in their last seven matches across all competitions, they have been far from their best lately. Roberto De Zerbi’s men have claimed just one win in their last five Premier League matches, playing out three draws in that run.
It is a similar situation at the Amex Stadium as while Brighton are unbeaten in their last nine Premier League home matches, five of those fixtures have ended in draws. The Seagulls have also kept just one clean sheet in front of their fans all season.
Crystal Palace were victorious in their midweek Premier League fixture as they claimed a 3-2 victory over Sheffield United. They fought back from behind twice with Eberechi Eze netting a brace while Michael Olise grabbed the winner.
That was only the second win in 13 matches for Crystal Palace, who have found things difficult lately. However it was a vital result as it eases some of the pressure on manager Roy Hodgson while also moving the Eagles six points clear of the relegation zone.
Crystal Palace have also struggled on their travels and are winless in their last six away matches across all competitions. However, a pair of draws at West Ham and Manchester City in that run will give them some confidence heading to the Amex Stadium.
How the bookies view it
Brighton have been installed as overwhelming favourites with a home win priced at 8/13 by bet365. A victory for Crystal Palace is valued at 23/10 by Unibet, who is also offering odds of 10/3 for a draw.
Head to head
Brighton have a 9-8 edge with 11 draws from 28 previous matches against Crystal Palace. Four of the last five meetings have also ended in draws, including a 1-1 scoreline in the reverse fixture back in December.
Players to watch
Joao Pedro had a quiet outing at Luton Town in midweek but remains the biggest attacking threat for Brighton. The forward has three goals in the last three matches at Amex Stadium and is priced at 8/5 by Unibet to maintain his scoring run.
Michael Olise made his return from injury with the winner against Sheffield United and will be the one to watch for Crystal Palace. The attacker now has four goals in his last three appearances and is priced at 13/2 by Unibet to score anytime on Saturday.
Anything else catch the eye?
There were over 3.5 goals in Crystal Palace’s last fixture and a repeat is priced at 37/20 with Unibet. Over 2.5 goals is valued at 8/11 by 888Sport while bet365 is offering odds of 4/5 on both teams to score.
Brighton have been level at the break in two of their last three home matches and could be set for another halftime draw at 7/5 by 888Sport.
This English Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace will be played on Feb 3, 2024 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Brighton & Hove Albion vs Crystal Palace prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
