May 6 2025

Selhurst Park

Crystal Palace's 2024–25 Premier League campaign has been a season of steady progress and cautious optimism, writes Ben Leyland.

Currently sitting 12th in the table with 46 points from 35 matches, the Eagles are on the cusp of achieving their highest-ever Premier League points tally (50). Under the guidance of manager Oliver Glasner, the team has displayed a blend of resilience and flair, with Eberechi Eze's performances standing out.

The recent 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest highlighted Palace's ability to compete with teams chasing European spots, suggesting a promising trajectory for the club.

For fans and bettors alike, Palace's mid-table position presents intriguing opportunities. Their upcoming clash against Tottenham on Sunday, 11 May, offers a competitive market – Palace are priced at 31/20 to win at most sites for online betting not on GamStop, with odds of 7/4 for Spurs and 11/4 for a draw, highlighting the tight nature of the contest.

Of course, there’s also the option to place bets on player performances, first goal scorers, or even specific match stats that standard sites may not cover, which is ideal when following a club like Crystal Palace, known for its unpredictability and standout individual talent.

Palace's attacking prowess, particularly through players like Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta, has been a highlight this season. Their ability to unlock defences and create scoring opportunities adds value to bets on goals and assists. Moreover, the team's defensive solidity, anchored by Marc Guehi and Maxence Lacroix, provides confidence in bets related to clean sheets and low-scoring affairs. This balance between attack and defence makes Palace a versatile option for various betting markets.

The managerial acumen of Glasner has been instrumental in Palace's performance. His tactical flexibility and willingness to adapt formations based on opponents have kept the team competitive. This adaptability can influence betting strategies, as understanding Glasner's approach to different matches can inform predictions on outcomes, goal totals, and player performances.

Injuries and squad rotation are factors that bettors must consider. The depth of Palace's squad has been tested at times, affecting consistency. Monitoring team news and player availability is crucial for making informed bets, especially in the latter stages of the season when fatigue and suspensions can impact team selection.

Home advantage at Selhurst Park has traditionally been significant for Palace. The passionate support and unique atmosphere can spur the team to perform above expectations. Bettors might find value in backing Palace in home fixtures, particularly against teams with poor away records. Conversely, away matches may present different challenges, requiring a nuanced approach to betting.

The emergence of young talents from the academy has added depth to the squad. Players like Justin Devenny have shown promise when given opportunities. Inclusion of such players can influence betting markets, especially in terms of goal scorers and player-specific bets. Keeping an eye on team sheets and potential breakout performances can provide an edge.

Palace's disciplinary record is another aspect to consider. A relatively low number of bookings and red cards throughout the season suggests a disciplined and controlled approach on the pitch, particularly under pressure. This composure can influence betting markets related to cards, fouls, and specific player behaviour.

For example, those placing wagers on over/under card totals may find Palace matches less volatile in this regard compared to fixtures involving more aggressive sides. Additionally, understanding the team’s style—often compact and structured rather than overly physical—alongside the tendencies of individual referees officiating their games, can provide an edge when predicting disciplinary outcomes. Bettors may also want to monitor match-ups where Palace face more combative opponents, as these dynamics can subtly alter the tone and disciplinary profile of the game.

The final fixtures of the season will be pivotal in determining Palace’s ultimate position in the Premier League table. With the team currently sitting 12th, the closing matches will not only shape their league finish but also provide crucial insight for those placing bets. Palace are set to face opponents with vastly different motivations—some fighting relegation, others pushing for European spots—which adds a layer of unpredictability to each contest.

These matches often carry heightened tension, and results can swing based on a single moment of brilliance or error. Bettors should dig deeper than just current form, analysing each game’s context thoroughly.

This includes evaluating squad rotation, injury news, tactical matchups, and historical head-to-head outcomes. In particular, Palace’s tendency to perform well against stronger teams at Selhurst Park, contrasted with less consistent away form, could influence betting strategies as the season wraps up.