Burnley vs Crystal Palace | EPL Prediction Today | Premier League 2025/26 | Dec 04 – Can Burnley Finally Break Their Losing Habit?

Turf Moor is set to host an intriguing Premier League clash as Burnley take on Crystal Palace on Thursday, December 4. Both teams are eager to secure valuable points in a tightly contested league. The hosts aim to use their home advantage to control the tempo and impose a disciplined defensive approach, while the visitors will look to exploit transitions and capitalize on counter-attacking opportunities.

Form Guide

Burnley

The Clarets have shown resilience this season with a disciplined defensive setup and structured transitions. Flemming and Tchaouna lead the attack, providing pace and finishing ability in forward areas. Mejbri and Florentino contribute in midfield, balancing creative responsibilities with defensive duties. Dubravka remains reliable in goal, ensuring the team withstands pressure from high-intensity attacks.

Crystal Palace

The Eagles continue to rely on a balanced approach, blending solid defensive organization with quick attacking movements. Mateta and Pino spearhead the offensive efforts, using movement and clinical finishing to create opportunities. Guehi and Lacroix form a sturdy defensive partnership, shielding Henderson in goal. Kamada and Wharton drive midfield transitions while maintaining tactical discipline.

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Key Battles

Flemming vs Mateta

Flemming has emerged as the home side’s main goal threat, combining composure, pace, and positioning. Mateta leads the Londoners’ attack with physical presence, intelligent movement, and finishing prowess. Their duel will be crucial in determining early attacking momentum. The striker who converts chances effectively may significantly influence the match outcome.

Foster vs Sarr

Foster is key in Burnley’s buildup and counter-attacking patterns, providing speed and attacking support. Conversely, Sarr offers Crystal Palace creativity and goal contributions, often unlocking defenses with dribbles and precise passes. Both players will be pivotal in wide areas and in generating scoring opportunities. Their performances could decide the flow of attacking play in this fixture.

Tactical Outlook

The hosts are likely to set up in a compact, structured formation focused on defensive solidity. Florentino and Mejbri will control central areas while supporting forward outlets like Flemming and Tchaouna. Walker and Estève provide width and support defensively. Burnley aim to absorb pressure and exploit the opposition’s transitions with fast breaks.

The visitors will employ a counter-attacking system, looking to exploit space behind the Clarets’ defensive line. Guehi and Lacroix will anchor the backline while Kamada and Wharton drive ball progression. Mateta and Pino will act as focal points in attack, combining physicality with technical skill. Crystal Palace’s approach will focus on patience in the buildup and quick execution in the final third.

Head-to-Head Encounters

Recent meetings between the two sides have produced tight and competitive contests. The Lancashire outfit occasionally uses home advantage to challenge the Eagles’ attacking threat. The South London club generally relies on structured buildup and counter-attacking efficiency. Another tactical battle is expected at Turf Moor, with both teams seeking control.

Injury News and Suspensions

Burnley

The home side faces several injury concerns impacting defensive and attacking options. Roberts is sidelined with a knee injury until mid-December 2025. Beyer will be unavailable with a knee issue until mid-January 2026. Amdouni remains out with a cruciate ligament injury, limiting rotation and attacking depth.

Crystal Palace

The visitors also have key absentees affecting multiple areas of the squad. Sarr is out with an ankle injury until mid-December 2025. Riad is sidelined with a knee injury until early January 2026. Sosa is doubtful due to a knock, while Kporha and Doucouré are unavailable with back and knee injuries, respectively. These absences impact both defensive stability and midfield creativity.

Possible Playing Squad

Burnley XI:

Dubravka (GK), Foster, Flemming, Tchaouna, Florentino, Cullen, Mejbri, Hartman, Estève, Tuanzebe, Walker

Crystal Palace XI:

Henderson (GK), Mateta, Pino, Sarr, Mitchell, Kamada, Wharton, Munoz, Guehi, Lacroix, Richards

Match Details at a Glance

Match Prediction

Burnley’s home advantage and structured defense give them a slight edge, but Crystal Palace will remain dangerous on counters. Expect a tight, tactical encounter with limited clear-cut chances.

Score Prediction

Burnley 1–1 Crystal Palace — Flemming likely to score for Burnley while Mateta remains Palace’s main threat.