Crystal Palace vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Date: 16/12/2019
K/O: 19:45
Venue: Selhurst Park
Referee: Craig Pawson
It’s the 102nd instalment of this Crystal Palace vs Brighton fixture, making it the second most present fixture in the history of both clubs. Brighton lead the way with 40 wins, compared to their long-time foes’ 36.
Palace enter the game sitting in 10th with a win having the potential to distance themselves, at least momentarily, from the relegation scrap that is brewing nearer the lower rungs of the league table. Meanwhile, Brighton have the opportunity to leapfrog a team whom they did the double over last season and place themselves nicely in the top 10.
Indeed, in the two seasons that Brighton have spent in the Premier League since their most recent promotion, they have finished the game-week in 10th following the first leg of the home and away season against Palace, albeit both games were at the Amex Stadium. Maybe this is an encouraging omen for the Seagulls, however, both the previous times Brighton entered the fixture ahead of Palace in the league table.
Statistically, the visitors have improved offensively but regressed defensively in comparison to their previous group of games before the first leg of the home and away season against Palace. Their overall goals per game averaged has increased season upon season while, comparatively, they have conceded more goals per game progressively each season.
From scoring 1 goal per game (gpg) and conceding just 1.07 in the 2017/18 season, those figures increased respectively to 1.14 and 1.42 in 2018/19 and again to 1.25 and 1.5 so far this season.
These statistics indicate towards the obvious truth that Brighton are a more free-flowing, attacking side than in previous seasons. Graham Potter has managed to unlock the forward line – definitely as a result of a few handy additions. This has resulted in a more porous defence, unfortunately.
From 12 goals from open play throughout the entirety of the 2018/19 season (per WhoScored.com) to 11 from only 16 games so far this season. Comparatively, the Seagulls are on track to concede more from open play this season than the two previous ones.
Positively, this has come as a result of Potter utilising the talent he has in each position. In goal, he has one of the best pure, reactionary shot-stoppers in the league in the form of Mat Ryan who, if he makes more than one save against Palace, will become the second greatest shot-stopper so far in the 2019/20 campaign. Dependability in goal is vital in order to produce a more fluid attacking style which compromises defensive solidarity.
While unpredictability offensively has aided Brighton in their successes thus far. Five players have multiple goals already, compared to just seven in total last season. Keeping in mind, last season’s top scorer – the only member to find the back of the net more than five times – hasn’t even been on the scoresheet at any point this season in the Premier League.
The continued form of Neal Maupay, 19-year-old prospect Aaron Connolly and the flare of Leandro Trossard have managed to keep last season’s hero, Glenn Murray, on the bench.
However, this week’s bemoaned opponents – Crystal Palace – won’t make their going so easy. Mid-table for points, the Eagles are tied second for the most clean sheets and have conceded the fourth least amount of goals. This is despite their distinct lack of defensive contributors.
Their only two recognised fullbacks have failed to complete nine combined games this season through injury. Cheikhou Kouyaté has had to fill at centre-back and they will seemingly have to rely on a Jaïro Riedewald at left-back this game-week and he hasn’t started a Premier League game since April 2018.
If there is something that Hodgson has proved during his tenure at Palace, it is that he has the ability to conjure a defensive masterclass from the faintest of possibilities. Coincidentally, in Rïedwald’s first start under Hodgson – when humiliation seemed likely – Palace turned in one of the performances of the season to end Manchester City’s record-breaking 19-game win streak.
Of course, that level of defensive concentration won’t be necessary against a much less ‘funded’ side in Brighton, but the 72-year-old is still one of the best defensive conjurers in the league.
Seven points from their last nine possible will definitely spur Palace on. As will the crowd – including the Holmesdale Fanatics – who have proved to be the greatest 12th man amidst the Premier League.
Team News
Crystal Palace
Hodgson will have to produce a defensive display without right-back Joel Ward, left-back Patrick van Aanholt and left-back-turned-wide-midfielder Jeffrey Schlupp.
Mamdou Sakho remains suspended while Scott Dann and Gary Cahill – who have been struggling with injuries in recent weeks – may add to the list of unavailable centre-backs. In his pre-Brighton press conference, Hodgson alluded to the fact that more players may be ruled out for game-week 17’s derby against Brighton.
Saying that “There might be more names added to that list unfortunately but I’m not willing to divulge that currently.” Who that is, we will have to wait and see, but rumours that Wilfried Zaha was one of those names has been quashed, thankfully.
With Jordan Ayew impressing equally on the wing as he is centrally, Hodgson could opt to use him out wide in the absence of injured wingers, Schlupp and Andros Townsend (unconfirmed at this stage). Meaning floundering striker, Christian Benteke – after multiple impressive cameo performances this season – could find his way into the starting XI for his side’s biggest game.
Max Meyer’s mystery illness may also keep him out of the squad yet again.
Brighton & Hove Albion
José Izquierdo and Solly March remained sidelined for Brighton.
Aaron Connolly will be given “as much time as we can” (as per Graham Potter earlier this week), but he continued to say that the young Irishman is looking “doubtful” at the moment.
Dale Stephens collected his fifth yellow card of the season against Wolves last game-week so he will have to watch his teammates take on their irrevocable enemies from the sidelines.
Predicted Starting XIs
Crystal Palace (4-3-3): Guaita; Kelly, Tomkins, Dann, Rïedewald; McCarthur, Milivojevic, Kouyaté; Townsend, Ayew, Zaha.
Brighton & Hove Albion (4-3-3): Ryan; Alzate, Webster, Dunk, Burn; Propper, Bissouma, Mooy; Groß, Maupay, Trossard.
