EPL: Bournemouth vs. Crystal Palace preview

The English Premier League game of the week is one where points are vital for both teams, as Bournemouth hosts Crystal Palace on Saturday, March 14. One team is looking to escape the relegation zone, while the other is hoping to make the leap into the top 10.

Who is going to begin the final segment of their season with crucial points and move up in the EPL standings?

Bournemouth is dangerously close to relegation

Bournemouth desperately needs points to climb out of the relegation zone. The club is stuck in 18th place. Any points could pull Bournemouth up to safety, but its form the last two months has been abysmal.

The Cherries' last win was Feb. 1 against Aston Villa, and they’ve been shut out in five of their last 10 matches. For them to ensure they stay in the Premier League, they will need to start scoring some goals. They’ve only scored nine in the last 10 matches, and Callum Wilson has led the way with three. They need help from guys like Philip Billing and Joshua King.

There is also concern on the defensive end. In the last 10 matches, Bournemouth has allowed 21 goals. Diego Rico, Nathan Aké, and Steve Cook need to have a renewed focus to keep the ball out of their defensive zone.

Crystal Palace is riding a three-game win streak

Crystal Palace has won its last three matches, but over the last 10, the Eagles gone 3-3-4. Their offense has mostly gone through Jordan Ayew, who has eight goals this season and three in the last 10 games. He will need to get going early and hopefully Wilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke can help out.

In the middle, Palace will rely on James McArthur, James McCarthy, and Luka Milivojević to control the ball, and that will be essential to keep Bournemouth on its toes. Gary Cahill will command the back line, and he is the reason Palace likes its chances against the Cherries.

Taking the ball and quickly going down the field will be an advantage for the Eagles, and they will want to attack Bournemouth down the middle to get the goals they need to secure three points. If they can’t control the middle, it will be a long day, and the Eagles won’t be able to move up into the top 10.

Prediction: Crystal Palace wins 2-0 (+1475)

Bournemouth may be favored in this match, but they only have four wins at home this season. Crystal Palace has gone 2-1-2 in its last five against Bournemouth, with both wins coming at home.

Bournemouth’s scoring woes will be the difference in this match. Ayew (+200) will be the main difference, scoring one and assisting McCarthy (+1000) for the second.

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