Crystal Palace vs. Brentford Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 26 January 2025 - bettingexpert
Get ready for an exciting Premier League clash as Crystal Palace face Brentford at Selhurst Park on 26 January 2025. This mid-table battle sees 12th-placed Palace, with 27 points, hosting 11th-placed Brentford, who are just a point ahead. Referee Tony Harrington will oversee the match, which kicks off at 14:00.
Crystal Palace, under Oliver Glasner, are in superb form, unbeaten in their last six games, and have shown impressive defensive improvements. In contrast, Thomas Frank’s Brentford have struggled, with just one win in their last nine matches. Despite their poor run, Brentford’s attacking prowess remains notable, having scored 40 times this season, largely due to Bryan Mbeumo’s 13 goals.
Injuries plague both sides, but Brentford is hit harder, with key players like Joshua Da Silva and Aaron Hickey sidelined. Palace, on the other hand, have fewer injury concerns, with Matheus França and Adam Wharton eyeing returns in early February.
Expect a close contest with goals from both teams as Crystal Palace and Brentford have scored in each of their last five meetings. Our match prediction tips both teams to score, and given Palace’s home advantage, a slight edge might be towards the hosts. Strap in for a thrilling encounter in South London!
Crystal Palace vs Brentford Prediction & Betting Tip
Our recommended betting tip for this match is Both teams to score: yes. Given the match’s context and historical data, this tip is grounded in the attacking capabilities of both sides and their recent performances.
| Crystal Palace vs Brentford Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Both teams to score: yes | 1.65 |
- Historical Consistency: Crystal Palace and Brentford have both found the back of the net in each of their last five matchups.
- Scoring Form: Both teams have been averaging 1.60 goals per game in their recent performances, indicating their ability to score consistently.
- Tight Contest: With just one point separating them in the table and both teams having potent attacking players, expect a close, high-stakes game where both strive to get on the scoresheet.
Crystal Palace vs Brentford Odds
Crystal Palace takes the bookmakers’ favourite role with odds slightly tipping in their favor. However, don’t count Brentford out, given the competitive points standings and their impressive goal-scoring stats this season. Here’s a quick look at the betting odds:
| Crystal Palace vs Brentford Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Crystal Palace | 2.06 |
| Draw | 3.60 |
| Brentford | 3.40 |
Considering the match is expected to be tight, the odds reflect a balanced yet slightly favoring Palace, thanks to their home advantage and recent form under Oliver Glasner.
With the attacking strength from both sides and given their close league positions, placing a bet on a draw or a Brentford win could also be worth considering if you’re feeling adventurous.
Crystal Palace Team Analysis
Crystal Palace Recent Performance
Crystal Palace have been in fine form recently, going unbeaten in their last five games. Under the guidance of new manager Oliver Glasner, they’ve shown significant defensive improvements with three clean sheets in their last five outings.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| West Ham | Crystal Palace | 0-2 (Win) |
| Leicester | Crystal Palace | 0-2 (Win) |
| Crystal Palace | Stockport County | 1-0 (Win) |
| Crystal Palace | Chelsea | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Crystal Palace | Southampton | 2-1 (Win) |
With an average of 1.60 goals scored per match in their last five, the Eagles have struck a good balance between attack and defence. Their defensive solidity is highlighted by keeping three clean sheets, and this consistency has been a cornerstone of their recent success.
Expectations are high as they prepare to face Brentford, and maintaining their unbeaten run will be key.
Crystal Palace Key Players
Crystal Palace will rely heavily on Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has netted 8 goals this season. His ability to consistently find the back of the net will be crucial against Brentford’s somewhat leaky defense.
In midfield, the flair and creativity of Eberechi Eze and Ismaïla Sarr will be key to breaking down Brentford’s defense. With both players expected to start, their battle against Brentford’s midfielders will be vital.
Defensively, the trio of Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, and Marc Guehi have been instrumental in Palace’s three recent clean sheets. They will be tasked with neutralising Bryan Mbuemo, who has scored 13 goals for Brentford.
Expected lineup for Crystal Palace:
- Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson
- Defenders: Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Marc Guehi, Daniel Muñoz, Tyrick Mitchell
- Midfielders: Will Hughes, Daichi Kamada, Ismaïla Sarr, Eberechi Eze
- Forward: Jean-Philippe Mateta
Crystal Palace Suspensions & Injuries
Crystal Palace head into their clash against Brentford with a few noteworthy injury concerns, which could impact their squad depth and tactical flexibility.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Matheus França | Broken rib | Early February 2025 |
| Adam Wharton | Groin injury | Early February 2025 |
| Jefferson Lerma | Illness | Doubtful |
These injuries will test Oliver Glasner’s side, especially in midfield, where the absence of Adam Wharton and Jefferson Lerma could disrupt the balance of the team. Matheus França’s injury also limits options in defense, putting more pressure on the remaining fit players to deliver a solid performance.
Despite these setbacks, Crystal Palace have shown resilience lately and will look to continue their solid form.
Crystal Palace Tactics and Formation
Crystal Palace Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-4-2-1
- Key Forward: Jean-Philippe Mateta
- Midfield Engine: Will Hughes and Daichi Kamada
- Defensive Cohesion: Three clean sheets in the last five games.
- Notable Strategy: Strong defensive improvements, maintaining compactness at the back.
Oliver Glasner’s squad has been solid defensively, as evidenced by their recent unbeaten run. The use of a three-man backline featuring Richards, Lacroix, and Guehi allows Palace to build from the back while protecting Dean Henderson in goal.
The double pivot of Hughes and Kamada balances the midfield with defensive cover and creative play. Eze and Sarr, positioned as attacking midfielders, are crucial in linking the play to Mateta, who has been a reliable goal scorer this season.
The team looks to exploit Brentford’s injury problems by maintaining possession and breaking quickly on the counter.
Brentford Team Analysis
Brentford Recent Performance
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Brentford | Liverpool | 0-2 (Loss) |
| Brentford | Man City | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Brentford | Plymouth | 0-1 (Loss) |
| Southampton | Brentford | 0-5 (Win) |
| Brentford | Arsenal | 1-3 (Loss) |
Brentford’s recent form shows a mixed bag, with their last five matches yielding one win, one draw, and three losses, represented as LDLWL.
Despite an inconsistent run, Brentford has managed to keep their average goals scored at 1.60 per game. Nevertheless, defensive troubles are evident with only one clean sheet in their last five outings.
Their top scorer Bryan Mbeumo continues to be a bright spot, bagging 13 goals this season. This attacking potential keeps Brentford in the hunt even against tougher opposition.
Brentford Key Players
Expected lineup for Brentford:
- Goalkeeper: Mark Flekken
- Defenders: Mads Roerslev Rasmussen, Sepp van den Berg, Nathan Collins, Keane Lewis-Potter
- Midfielders: Vitaly Janelt, Christian Nørgaard, Yegor Yarmolyuk, Mikkel Damsgaard
- Attackers: Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa
Bryan Mbeumo is undoubtedly the standout player for Brentford, having scored 13 goals this season. His ability to find the net consistently makes him a pivotal part of Thomas Frank’s strategy.
Another key player is Christian Nørgaard, who controls the midfield and sets the tempo for Brentford’s play. His battle against Crystal Palace’s midfielders like Daichi Kamada could be crucial.
At the back, Nathan Collins’ defensive responsibilities will be significant in managing Crystal Palace’s attacking threats, particularly in keeping Jean-Philippe Mateta in check.
These key players will need to perform at their best for Brentford to secure a valuable win at Selhurst Park.
Brentford Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Joshua Da Silva | Knee surgery | Mid February 2025 |
| Aaron Hickey | Hamstring Injury | Mid May 2025 |
| Gustavo Nunes | Back injury | Early February 2025 |
| Ethan Pinnock | Knock injury | Doubtful |
| Igor Thiago | Virus | Doubtful |
| Kristoffer Ajer | Ankle injury | Early February 2025 |
Brentford is facing a challenging period with several key players sidelined due to injuries. Joshua Da Silva’s absence, following knee surgery, will rob the midfield of some creativity and stability. Aaron Hickey’s long-term hamstring injury further depletes defensive options.
Gustavo Nunes and Kristoffer Ajer are expected back soon, which might ease some defensive worries. However, the doubtful returns of Ethan Pinnock and Igor Thiago could leave Thomas Frank with limited options for rotation and depth against Crystal Palace. These injuries may force Brentford to adapt their strategy and depend heavily on their fit squad members.
Brentford Tactics and Formation
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Forward: Bryan Mbeumo
- Midfield Trio: Vitaly Janelt, Christian Nørgaard, Yegor Yarmolyuk
- Defensive Strength: Brentford have struggled defensively, managing only one clean sheet in their last five matches.
- Notable Strategy: Brentford tend to push hard in the final stages of the game, particularly from the 76-90 minute mark, where they’ve scored most of their goals this season.
Brentford will likely rely on the fluidity of their 4-3-3 formation, aiming to leverage their strong offensive capabilities. With Bryan Mbeumo as the spearhead, their attacking trio is expected to constantly press for goals. The midfield, anchored by Nørgaard, will be crucial in both controlling the tempo and shielding the backline.
Thomas Frank will need to address recent defensive lapses, potentially through better structural discipline or more compact defensive setups as they face a competitive Crystal Palace side.
Crystal Palace vs Brentford Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal Palace | Brentford | 3-1 |
| Brentford | Crystal Palace | 1-1 |
| Crystal Palace | Brentford | 1-0 |
| Brentford | Crystal Palace | 1-2 |
| Crystal Palace | Brentford | 0-0 |
This table offers a snapshot of their last five encounters. Crystal Palace has had the upper hand in these matchups, winning three times. Brentford’s sole win came at home, demonstrating their competitiveness.
Fewer than 2.5 goals have been a common outcome, highlighting generally tight contests.
Odds accurate as of 24/01/2025 14:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
