Crystal Palace aims to continue their impressive resurgence when they take on Brentford at Selhurst Park on January 28, 2025, at 14:00 GMT. This match is symbolic of two contrasting trajectories, with the Eagles soaring high after winning three consecutive matches, intent on avenging their loss to the Bees on opening day.
Under the management of Oliver Glasner, Crystal Palace has experienced a marked turnaround this season. The team, now settled comfortably at 12th place, has showcased resilience and skill, particularly evident during their recent 2-0 victory over West Ham. Coupled with their unbeaten run of six matches across all competitions, the Eagles seem poised to seize the day.
The matchday lineup for Crystal Palace includes one significant change: Jefferson Lerma replaces Daichi Kamada. The full roster features goalkeeper Dean Henderson, alongside defenders Marc Guehi and Daniel Munoz, who plays a pivotal role as he frequently pushes forward to deliver crosses. Up front, Jean-Philippe Mateta is the standout player to watch. With four goals in his last three matches, Mateta has effectively carved out space for himself by capitalizing on defensive lapses, which could be ideal against Brentford’s weak left flank.
On the other side of the pitch is Brentford, grappling with their own challenges. Managed by Thomas Frank, the Bees recently fell to Liverpool, unable to withstand the pressure from the league leaders, which has left them with only one win from their last nine matches—against the bottom-tier Southampton. They find themselves needing to improve, especially with injuries impacting their squad. Kristoffer Ajer and Ryan Trevitt are doubtful for the fixture, which may impede their performance.
Brentford’s anticipated lineup for the match features goalkeeper Mark Flekken and defenders like Mads Roerslev and Ethan Pinnock. Their midfield will likely consist of Christian Norgaard and Mads Janelt, with Yoane Wissa aiming to spearhead their attack alongside Kevin Schade. With several absentees affecting their cohesiveness, Brentford needs to conjure their usual flair as they prepare for the London derby.
One area where Crystal Palace could exploit against Brentford is their notable tendency to press high against teams they perceive as less elite. Given Palace’s capability to transition quickly from defense to attack, it sets the stage for opportunities, particularly for Mateta to strike. Betting markets indicate strong value on Mateta to score at +175, highlighting expectations of his ability to finish chances generated during attack sequences.
Reflecting on last encounters this season, Crystal Palace is determined not to repeat past mistakes from their 1-0 loss to Brentford on the first day of the season. This motivation is heightened by their current form and home grounds, lending confidence to the Eagles as they prepare to capitalize on whatever chances arise.
The match will undoubtedly be electrifying, with both sides eager to secure three points. Crystal Palace’s potential to dominate could play out through the tactical deployment of their full-backs, who have been known to create numerous crossing opportunities. Daniel Munoz’s role may be even more pivotal today, influencing how effectively Palace can score.
Predictions lean heavily toward Crystal Palace earning all three points, touted for their strong performances and the Eagles’ ability to navigate Brentford’s defensive weaknesses. Expecting a scoreline resembling 2-1 tips the scales slightly more favorably toward the home team.
Fans are gearing up for what promises to be another thrilling matchday at Selhurst Park, fully aware of the stakes at hand. Will Crystal Palace continue their excellent form and exact sweet revenge against Brentford? The answer awaits as kickoff approaches.