Crystal Palace vs. Brighton and Hove Albion – EPL, October 18, 2020

One of the less touted EPL derbies plays out on Sunday as Crystal Palace faces Brighton at Selhurst Park. It may not be as well known as some of the others but there is a genuine dislike between the two sets of supporters and it usually serves up an entertaining game.

Neither side has started the season particularly well, so a win here could make a big difference to league positions.

It looks like the bookmakers have considered the derby rivalry here, as I would have thought Palace would be a clear favorite to win this fixture. Brighton has not looked overly impressive so far and I have a feeling that the Seagulls could struggle as the campaign goes on. The odds for a home win look attractive to me.

One of Crystal Palace’s best pieces of business over the summer and into the extended transfer window was keeping Wilfried Zaha at the club. He just about single-handedly kept the Eagles up last season and looks to have more support this year. If he plays well, Palace invariably plays well.

Roy Hodgson’s side actually started the campaign very well, winning its first two games. But familiar frailties have emerged in the last two games and Chelsea was able to beat Palace convincingly last time out by simply constricting Andros Townsend’s ability to run things.

Brighton manager Graham Potter will be hoping that his side can keep the attacking talent of Crystal Palace similarly quiet but there might not be the personnel to do that to the same level as Chelsea. Potter is well known for thinking outside the box but this Brighton team seem a little limited.

Tariq Lamptey has already attracted attention – and there had been talk of the youngster possibly leaving in the transfer window. He should be one of the main threats coming out of defense for the Seagulls but it feels as though Neal Maupay needs to be doing more in front of goal if Brighton is to do well this season.

If Selhurst Park was full with both sets of fans then this game could be very different – but it may be more of a quieter game than usual without the intensity that the supporters provide. Brighton will give Palace a good game but there is more attacking talent in the home side – and I think the odds offered for a home win look very good value.