Andoni Iraola is expecting a "difficult" match on Boxing Day as Bournemouth host a Crystal Palace team on the up in the Premier League.
Bournemouth are flying high in fifth after 17 games, having leapfrogged reigning champions Manchester City after a stunning 3-0 victory over Manchester United last Sunday.
They are now unbeaten in five matches and could even move into the top four if other results on Boxing Day go their way.
However, Iraola is wary of the threat that Palace pose and has been impressed with the strides the Eagles have made in recent weeks.
"I think they are getting better results, and they are performing better," Iraola said.
"I think even listening to [Oliver] Glasner, he was the first one saying physically now they are in a much better position. They feel more confident, and I think you can see it in the games. It's going to be difficult.
"I think the game we played against Palace with Glasner in the past season here was super tight. It was decided in the end by one goal from Justin [Kluivert], but it was very level, and I expect more or less the same."
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) December 23, 2024
Palace, meanwhile, were on a five-match unbeaten run, but two defeats to Arsenal in the space of four days last week, including a 5-1 loss in the Premier League, has stunted their progress.
The visitors have gained a four-point cushion over the relegation zone, and have gained another boost, with Oliver Glasner expecting Eberechi Eze to be back in the squad for Thursday's game.
"It looks like [Eze will be back]," Glasner said. "He trained [on Tuesday] and now we have to wait for the reaction, but it looks good, so Ebs will be back.
"The players look quite fine. Of course, always when you have a 1-5 defeat, the mood is a little bit down, but we analysed it like we always do ... and we prepare like we always do."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Bournemouth – Antoine Semenyo
Of all players to have attempted 50 dribbles in the Premier League this season, only Jeremy Doku (58.6%) has a higher success rate than Antoine Semenyo (56.9% - 37/65).
ALWAYS BELIEVE IN
— AFC Bournemouth (@afcbournemouth) December 22, 2024
Crystal Palace – Ismaila Sarr
Ismaïla Sarr has been involved in six goals in his last six Premier League games (four goals, two assists), as many as in his previous 32 appearances in the competition (four goals, two assists).
MATCH PREDICTION: BOURNEMOUTH WIN
After losing five consecutive Premier League games against Crystal Palace between 2019 and 2023, Bournemouth won both meetings with the Eagles last season without conceding.
Iraola's side have won four of their last five Premier League games (D1), as many as they had in their previous 15. This is the latest into a season the Cherries are playing a top-flight match while starting the day in the top five of the table.
Bournemouth also have not lost a home game on Boxing Day since 2003 (0-2 vs Plymouth Argyle in the third tier), winning five and drawing three since. They beat Fulham 3-0 at the Vitality Stadium last season.
However, Palace have kept four clean sheets in their seven Premier League away games against Bournemouth – against no side have they recorded more on the road in the competition.
Although, the Eagles have lost their last three Boxing Day matches, all by a 3-0 scoreline. Palace have not lost four consecutive Boxing Day games since doing so between 1950 and 1953 in the Third Division South.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Bournemouth – 48.4%
Draw – 24.5%
Crystal Palace – 27.1%