Crystal Palace vs Brighton: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Published at :December 19, 2023 at 1:37 PM

Modified at :January 14, 2024 at 12:26 AM

Premier League Matchday 18 kicks off at Selhurst Park Stadium

Crystal Palace are coming back home with a very big point from the Etihad Stadium. They were up against defending champions Man City. Although the Cityzens were comfortably 2-0 up by the hour mark at their home, the Eagles changed the entire mood for the night. Goals by Jean-Philippe Mateta and Michael Olise meant Pep Guardiola had to unwillingly share the spoils with Roy Hodgson and Co.

Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton on the other hand had a humbling trip to the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal couldn’t net a goal in the first half but in the second they netted two goals. Goalscorers for the night were Gabriel Jesus and former Chelsea man Kai Havertz. The Seagulls will now brush shoulders with rivals from South London before Christmas.

Kick-Off:

Thursday, 21 December 2023 at 8:00 PM UK

Friday, 22 December 2023 at 1:30 AM IST

Location: Selhurst Park Stadium

Form

Crystal Palace (in all competitions): D-L-L-D-L

Brighton (in all competitions): L-W-D-W-L

Players to Watch

Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace)

In the summer transfer window, a reported £20 million transfer fee before add-ons was agreed with Manchester United to sign the goalkeeper. Dean Henderson’s debut for the Eagles was a dramatic one on his return to Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup. But a thigh injury curtailed the excitement just after 17 minutes. Anyhow Henderson has made his return after featuring in the last game against Man City. His league debut involved a massive 7 saves.

Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton)

The Japanese winger from Brighton’s starting XI should be the one to watch. Kaoru Mitoma has played an integral part in 16 out of 17 PL games for the Seagulls this season. The 26-year-old has produced 5 assists and 3 goals in that period.

Match Facts

The visitors have a far superior ranking in terms of goals scored per league match (Brighton – 1.9 goals, Crystal Palace – 1 goals)
Roy Hodgson’s men did get a positive result against City but remain winless in the past six matches
Roberto De Zerbi’s side have lost only 3 games out of last 15 in all competitions. Those three defeats were to – Man City, Chelsea and Arsenal

Injury & Team News

Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, midfielder Jefferson Lerma and striker Odsonne Edouard are doubtful to be on the Eagles teamsheet because of injuries. Winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi might make it by the end of the month. But Rob Holding, Nathan Ferguson and Cheick Oumar Doucouré will still be in the recovery phase come 2024.

For the Seagulls, winger Solly March is in contention of making his return for the next game against Tottenham Hotspurs. Fullbacks Tariq Lamptey and Pervis Estupinán along with centre-back Adam Webster will miss the trip. Also, the likes of Julio Enciso and Ansu Fati are still yearning for a return on the pitch. Joël Veltman who limped off against the Gunners is out with a knee injury.

Head to Head

Total Matches – 19

Crystal Palace wins – 6

Brighton wins – 5

Draws – 8

Predicted Lineup

Crystal Palace predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Henderson (GK); Ward, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Richards, Eze; Olise, Schlupp, J. Ayew; Mateta

Brighton predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Verbruggen (GK); Hinshelwood, van Hecke, Dunk, Igor; Groß, Gilmour; Adingra, Lallana, Mitoma; Ferguson

Match Prediction for Crystal Palace vs Brighton

This is an interesting fixture before Christmas which also kickstarts matchday 18 in the PL. Crystal Palace’s longstanding rivals Brighton are too good with their tactical stuff under De Zerbi. Predicting a hard-fought win for the away end.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 0-1 Brighton

Telecast for Crystal Palace vs Brighton

India – Star Sports, Disney+ Hotstar

UK – Sky Sports, TNT Sports, Amazon Prime Video

US – NBC, USA Network, Peacock

Nigeria – SuperSport, NTA, Canal+ Afrique

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