Premier League 26/27 – Crystal Palace « Vital Football
The 2026/27 Premier League campaign is right around the corner. Arsenal are aiming to defend their title, with Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea all trying to take it.
For AFC Bournemouth, it’s a season like no other. Andoni Iraola has left the Cherries and taken over at Liverpool, whilst Marco Rose is entering his first season in English management, bringing his experience of European football to the south coast.
For the first time in 127 years of football, the Cherries will enjoy a European campaign, entering the UEFA Europa League. That draw will take place in August, so first up, plan your calendars around the domestic campaign.
When do AFC Bournemouth meet Crystal Palace?
Crystal Palace v AFC Bournemouth – Wednesday 30th December 2026*
AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace- Saturday 20th February 2027*
How far do the Dean Court faithful have to travel?
Distance from Dean Court to the 25,194-capacity Selhurst Park? 117 miles via M3.
What happened last time out?
AFC Bournemouth are unbeaten in their last six meetings with Crystal Palace, dating back to December 2023. During last season’s campaign, the Cherries scored 6 goals against Crystal Palace. The first three came in the dramatic 3-3 draw at Selhurst Park. A game that was held in mid-October and briefly saw the Cherries on the live table, top the Premier League… AFC Bournemouth fans, in jest at the time, singing about potential away trips to Europe…
By May, when AFC Bournemouth scored another three goals, this time with no reply from Palace, those songs about Europe were no longer being sung in jest.
Head-to-Head Record
| Games won: | 33 |
| Games drawn: | 22 |
| Games lost: | 28 |
Has anything changed at Crystal Palace?
Having steered Palace to victory in both the FA Cup and the UEFA Conference League, Oliver Glasner chose to leave Crystal Palace at the end of his contract. He has subsequently gone on to join Nottingham Forest.
He has been replaced by Pierre Sage, formerly of French sides Lyon and Lens.
Their only movement in the transfer window has seen Oscar Mingueza arrive from Celta Vigo. With no other incomings or outgoings.
Transfermarkt value comparison (as of 13th July 2026)
AFC Bournemouth – €550.38m
Crystal Palace – €540.55m
Prediction for Crystal Palace this season?
Palace are a difficult one to predict; up until December, they were flying in the Premier League, 4th after 15 games, 26 points, 20 goals and only 12 conceded.
By the time the season ended, they were 15th, 45 points, 41 goals and 51 conceded and just 6 points above relegated West Ham United.
The form from that final 23 games, if it had been over the entire season, would have seen them relegated. But they also won the UEFA’s third tier competition and will compete in the UEFA Europa League next season. So was the season a success or a failure?
Ultimately, new boss Pierre Sage’s first target will be to improve their Premier League form so they are not dragged into a survival battle.
* Fixtures are subject to change due to broadcast selection from Sky Sports and TNT Sport.
European fixtures in the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League can also see many games moved to the Sunday 2pm slot.
DJ
