Brighton vs Crystal Palace tips and predictions: Dullest derby in Prem to receive goal injection
Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi
Brighton and Crystal Palace meet this Saturday afternoon in one of the Premier League’s most unusual derbies.
Let’s face it, the debate around whether this fixture is actually a derby is usually more exciting than the match itself.
What makes us say that, I hear you ask? Well, the very fact that four of the last five meetings ended in 1-1 draws speaks for itself.
What’s more, just one of the last nine encounters have produced over 2.5 goals. Thrilling stuff.
Question is, can we expect something a little more in the way of excitement this Saturday? I think we can.
Both clubs find themselves in a very unpredictable period. Brighton, for instance, went from beating Sheffield United 5-2 in the FA Cup to losing 4-0 against Luton in the league. Explain that one.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, were battered 5-0 at Arsenal before beating Sheffield United 3-2 at Selhurst Park.
Moral of the story – everyone beats Sheffield United. But on a serious note, both Palace and Brighton have been involved in high-scoring encounters – something we hope continues this weekend.
Brighton are unbeaten in 10 matches at home and have only lost two games this entire season at the Amex Stadium. Palace, on the other hand, are winless in six matches on the road.
Bearing everything in mind, we’re going to disregard Brighton’s shock defeat to Luton and back them to continue their strong home form against the Eagles.
The hosts to win and both teams to score is the way to go. One goal winning margin is another top tip.
Team news
Brighton will be without Julio Enciso, Ansu Fati, Solly March, Joel Veltman and Kaoru Mitoma.
Palace, meanwhile, are missing Cheick Doucoure, Rob Holding, Daniel Munoz and Joel Ward.
Key stats
- Brighton are unbeaten in their last nine Premier League home games
- Crystal Palace have failed to win any of their last five Premier League games against Brighton
- Brighton had 42 shots without scoring in the Premier League in January
- Brighton scored nine goals from 24 shots in the FA Cup in January
