Crystal Palace vs Brighton: Match Preview | Premier League 2023/24

Ashu Ranjeet
By Ashu Ranjeet
5 Min Read

The back-to-back Premier League action continues in Gameweek 18 as Crystal Palace is set to face Brighton & Hove Albion at Selhurst Park on Thursday.

Roy Hodgson’s elated side will look to build on their last league outing when they came from behind to stun the English champions with resilient efforts, leveling the scoreline 2-2 at the Etihad. Roberto De Zerbi’s Seagulls, on the other hand, tasted a 2-0 defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates in their previous league fixture.

Currently, Palace resides in the 15th spot, only two places above the relegation zone, with 17 points from four wins and five draws in 17 matches this season. Meanwhile, Brighton is standing in 9th place with 26 points, having secured seven wins and five draws in a total of 17 matches this season.

In the last Palace-Brighton encounter, the Seagulls edged past with a 1-0 scoreline in March 2023, during the last season. The Eagles have shared the spoils with the Seagulls in their previous four meetings at Selhurst Park. Seemingly, both teams will be looking to head into the final matchday of the year with a win.

When and Where?

Date: Thursday, December 21, 2023.
Time: 8 PM UK
Venue: Selhurst Park Stadium

Match Officials

Referee: John Brooks.
Assistants: Lee Betts & Akil Howson.
Fourth official: Simon Hooper.
VAR: David Coote.
Assistant VAR: Constantine Hatzidakis.

Team news

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The hosts will be without Cheick Doucoure, Rob Holding, Sam Johnstone, Odsonne Edouard, Lerma, and the latest addition, Joel Ward, who all remain sidelined due to injury.

The visitors, on the other hand, will be missing long-term absentees Julio Enciso and Solly March, alongside Ansu Fati, Tariq Lamptey, Pervis Estupinan, and Adam Webster, for the midweek trip.

Match Analysis

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Roy Hodgson’s Palace might adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation with several changes in the first eleven following the Man City clash. Dean Henderson is expected to guard the goal, with Nathaniel Clyne and Tyrick Mitchell serving as the full-backs flanking the defensive pairing of Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi. In a double-pivot role in front of the defense, Chris Richards is anticipated to join Jairo Riedewald, providing support to the defense and halting opponent attacks.

In the midfield, Ayew is set to return following suspension, replacing Schlupp on the wings. Michael Olise will occupy the other flank, while Eberechi Eze is positioned in the center in a creative playmaking role. Upfront, Jean-Philippe Mateta will lead the attack as the striker.

Brighton is expected to maintain their 4-2-3-1 tactical shape with some modifications in the starting eleven. Jason Steele is anticipated to return in goal, while Jack Hinshelwood and Igor Julio are likely to be tasked with the full-back roles. Jan-Paul Van Hecke and Lewis Dunk will form the central defensive duo. Pascal Gross is set to start alongside Carlos Baleba in the double pivot position between the defense and front three.

In the three-man midfield, Joao Pedro starts as an attacking midfielder, joining forces with Simon Adingra and Kaoru Mitoma, who will operate wide on the flanks. Lewis Ferguson is expected to retain his place as the marksman in attack.

Key Players

Jean-Philippe Mateta

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The French striker had initially struggled to find minutes early in the season. However, Mateta capitalized on the opportunity, scoring against Liverpool and then Manchester City in the following match. Seemingly, the 26-year-old has been in form, managing to score in two successive Premier League fixtures, and might pose a threat to Brighton’s defense.

João Pedro

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The Brazilian has steadily established his place in the team with sporadic minutes on the field, despite only making six starts. The 22-year-old forward has contributed five goals and an assist for the Seagulls this term. Pedro is expected to be tasked with a more creative role against Palace, aiming to open the Eagles’ defense through his playmaking while remaining a constant threat to the goal.

Predicted Lineups

Crystal Palace predicted lineup: Henderson; Clyne, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Riedewald, Richards; Olise, Eze, Ayew; Mateta.

Brighton predicted lineup: Steele; Hinshelwood, Dunk, Van Hecke, Igor; Gross, Baleba; Adingra, Pedro, Mitoma; Ferguson.

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