The Cherries are on the hunt for Champions League football and remain unbeaten since early January in that pursuit. Their 14-game run they hope to extend today at the Vitality Stadium against Crystal Palace.
South London’s Palace have left plenty on the table when it comes to their league form, and look destined for another mid-table finish despite their efforts in Europe. You expect their focus would be on the Conference League second leg on Thursday.
Glasner’s side do hold a game in hand, albeit against Manchester City, their ambitions of Europe next season could still achieved in the traditional method.
The Eagles have lost seven of the last thirteen away games in the league, but hold a good defensive record on the south-coast, boasting a clean sheet in five of their last eight games there.
The last five league games at home have been draws for Iraola’s side, but they still have only lost twice on their own turf this season. Everton and of course Arsenal the only sides to take home three points.
Palace have not won any of their last five games against the Cherries (2L, 3D). The south-coast outfit will be pleased with Newcastle’s result against Brighton – a win could take them above the Seagulls.
Only two teams have had a 14-plus game unbeaten run within a season and finished outside the top six: Wimbledon in 1996-97 and Chelsea in 2015-16.
Team news
Iraola confirmed Justin Kluivert is back in training, but the game comes too early for him to feature. Lewis Cook still remains out and Carlos Soler is a doubt for the game.
Crystal Palace are still missing Evann Guessand, Eddie Nketiah and Cheik Doucoure. The Conference League final still firmly in their sights, Glasner may opt to rotate with Mateta and Sarr likely candidates to have restricted minutes.
Predicted line-ups
Bournemouth: Petrovic, Jiminez, Hill, Senesi, Truffert, Christie, Scott, Rayan, Kroupi Jr, Tavernier, Evanilson.
Crystal Palace: Henderson, Richardson, Lacroix, Canvot, Munoz, Sosa, Hughes, Lerma, Pino, Johnson, Strand-Larsen.
Both Oliver Glasner and Andoni Iraola are leaving their positions as head coach for their respective clubs at the end of the season and will be desperate to leave on a high note.
Glasner will hope to see out his advantage against Shakhtar Donetsk and reach the Conference League final on Thursday, opening a window to add to his FA Cup silverware he brought to south London last summer.
His record in Europe is already well documented, having won the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Eagles qualified for Europa League via their FA cup victory, but Nottingham Forest’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, wrote to UEFA to question their eligibility. The multi-club ownership rules clashed with UEFA, as John Textor owns significant stakes at both Lyon and Crystal Palace.
Adoni Iraola has a chance to guide Bournemouth into a 6th place finish, despite losing their top-goalscorer Antione Semenyo in the winter. Having just come off a victory to Arsenal away from home, his side will be aware of Palace’s focus and hope to take advantage of it.
Prediction
Crystal Palace have their attention turned to Europe, and that remains their best avenue into Europe next season, a heavily rotated squad would make Bournemouth firm favourites.
Rayan could return to the starting line-up following his goal against Leeds last week. The Cherries have had the extra preparation time, and you expect them to win this afternoon. Iraola has struggled to keep clean sheets of late so we could be treated to a high scoring game.
Bournemouth 3 – 1 Crystal Palace
When?
Sunday, 3rd May 2026
Kick-off: 14:00 BST
Venue: Vitality Stadium
Referee: Robert Jones
Watch: Sky Sports+