Paul Merson Reveals Major Concerns for Oliver Glasner Ahead of Crystal Palace vs Bournemouth Clash
As Crystal Palace prepares to host Bournemouth this Saturday at Selhurst Park, there are high stakes for both teams. Bournemouth could potentially rise to the top of the Premier League with a win, while Crystal Palace aims to bounce back from an unexpected defeat to Everton, ending their impressive 19-game unbeaten streak.
Paul Merson’s Concerns for Oliver Glasner
Football analyst Paul Merson has expressed significant concerns for Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner ahead of this crucial match. He highlighted two main issues that might impact Palace’s performance: poor finishing and upcoming fixture congestion.
Paul Merson’s Predictions
In a recent commentary for Emegypt, Merson pointed out that Crystal Palace has struggled with their finishing, which has been evident in their recent matches. “This is a massive game for Crystal Palace. They were unbeaten in 19 games, and I don’t know how they lost to Everton!” he stated. He also noted the challenges that lie ahead for the Eagles.
- Upcoming matches include:
- Bournemouth (Home)
- Arsenal (Away)
- Liverpool in the EFL Cup
Merson warned that if these finishing issues persist, Crystal Palace could find themselves on a streak of four or five games without a win, suggesting a probable outcome of a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth.
Key Players to Watch
Jean-Philippe Mateta has been a major concern for Palace, sitting atop the Premier League’s list for clear-cut chances missed, with seven in just seven appearances. His inability to convert chances has worsened, missing critical opportunities during the defeat to Everton.
On a brighter note, Mateta recently scored for France, which could boost his confidence. Meanwhile, Eberechi Eze, who scored his first goal for England in a 3-0 win over Latvia, has been instrumental for Crystal Palace. After that performance, he netted nine goals in 13 games, significantly contributing to the team’s success.
Match Officiating
Jarred Gillett will officiate the upcoming match. Gillett recently made headlines for his controversial decisions during an FA Cup match.
The clash between Crystal Palace and Bournemouth is expected to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams having much to prove. As Oliver Glasner strategizes for the match, the implications of the game’s outcome could resonate far beyond just this weekend.
