Crystal Palace vs Brentford: Premier League Clash at Selhurst Park
The Premier League action continues as Crystal Palace host Brentford at Selhurst Park in a match that promises thrills and drama. The Eagles are soaring high after a string of impressive results, while Brentford are looking to regain momentum after recent setbacks.
Crystal Palace’s Strong Momentum
Crystal Palace have turned their season around under Oliver Glasner. With back-to-back victories and an unbeaten run of five matches, the Eagles have climbed to 12th in the Premier League table. A commanding 2-0 win over West Ham last week showcased their attacking prowess, with Jean-Philippe Mateta netting a crucial brace. Palace’s resurgence has put them 11 points clear of the relegation zone, a remarkable turnaround considering their precarious position in November.
The Eagles now aim for a third consecutive win, buoyed by their solid home form and cohesive team dynamics.
Brentford’s Struggles for Consistency
In contrast, Brentford have experienced mixed fortunes lately. Despite salvaging a thrilling 2-2 draw against Manchester City, the Bees suffered a frustrating 2-0 defeat to Liverpool, conceding twice in stoppage time. Thomas Frank’s men have managed just one league win since early December, a concerning run for a team that started the season with high expectations.
Brentford’s record at Selhurst Park is also far from promising, with their last victory there dating back 68 years. However, their attacking duo, Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo, remain a potent threat and could trouble Palace’s defense.
Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 45
- Crystal Palace Wins: 18
- Draws: 12
- Brentford Wins: 15
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Crystal Palace
The Eagles are dealing with some squad changes. While Adam Wharton and Matheus França remain unavailable, Jefferson Lerma is expected to return to midfield. Defensively, Chris Richards will likely complete the back three following Trevoh Chalobah’s recall to Chelsea. Excitement is building around Romain Esse, who could make his debut after his arrival from Millwall.
Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Richards, Guéhi, Lacroix; Muñoz, Hughes, Lerma, Mitchell; Sarr, Eze, Mateta.
Player to Watch: Jean-Philippe Mateta is in red-hot form, aiming to score in a fourth consecutive match.
Brentford
Thomas Frank’s squad is dealing with several injuries, including Ethan Pinnock, Kristoffer Ajer, and Josh Dasilva. However, Rico Henry is likely to feature again after returning from injury, and Mikkel Damsgaard is expected to start in midfield. New signing Michael Kayode will have to wait for his debut.
Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Flekken; Roerslev, van den Berg, Collins, Lewis-Potter; Nørgaard, Janelt, Damsgaard; Mbuemo, Wissa, Schade.
Player to Watch: Yoane Wissa has been a standout performer against Palace in recent encounters and could be the key to Brentford’s attack.
Prediction
Crystal Palace’s current form and home advantage make them the favorites in this clash. Brentford’s inconsistency and poor record at Selhurst Park add to the Eagles’ edge. Expect a lively game, with Palace coming out on top.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 3-1 Brentford
