Crystal Palace vs Brighton tips and predictions: Typical derby with goals at a premium

Crystal Palace spent 45 minutes with their backs to the wall when Christian Benteke produced an exquisite finish in the 95th minute at the AMEX in 2021.

The 2-1 victory, played out in an empty stadium during the coronavirus pandemic, earned the Eagles their sole win over Brighton in six meetings.

The teams had settled for three consecutive draws until Solly March’s goal handed the Seagulls a 1-0 win in the most recent clash.

Palace will be buoyed by their late comeback at the Etihad Stadium last weekend but Roy Hodgson’s team are still winless in nine of 10.

On the other hand, Roberto De Zerbi’s side has won five of 10 across all competitions but just two of eight in the Premier League. They’re also struggling on their travels.

 

 

Although they’ve always shipped goals, they’ve conceded at an alarming rate this season. Eighteen goals in eight games make for an average of 2.25 per away game.

However, despite both teams scoring in 10 of 12 meetings, goals have been at a premium with under 2.5 goals scored in seven of those games. 

Five of the last eight meetings have been 0-0 at the break with the remaining three being 1-0. Neither team is giving an inch in this rivalry that dates back to the 1970s.

Palace have struggled for consistency and goals with their three-goal haul against Wolves skewing the stats. Even with that, they’ve scored seven in eight at home.

This game should settle into a pattern of Brighton possession early on, but there’s no doubt the hosts can stay compact and frustrate for long periods.

 

Team news

Cheick Doucoure, Jeserun Rak-Sakyi, Rob Holding, Sam Johnstone, Odsonne Edouard and Joel Ward are ruled out, while Jefferson Lerma is a doubt.

Jordan Ayew will return from a red card suspension to form a three-pronged attack with Odsonne Edouard and Jeffrey Schlupp.

Ansu Fati, Pervis Estupinan, Adam Webster, Tariq Lamptey, Joel Veltman and Solly March have been ruled out for Brighton.

Joao Pedro could return to the starting lineup in place of Adam Lallana or Evan Ferguson.

 

Key stats

-  Crystal Palace are averaging 0.87 goals per game at home
-  Brighton are unbeaten in five of six meetings
-  There have been under 2.5 goals in seven of the last eight meetings
-  Five of the previous eight meetings have been 0-0 at half-time

 

Suggested bets

Crystal Palace +0.25 Asian handicap

First half correct score: 0-0

Under 2.5 goals