Crystal Palace will face AFC Bournemouth away from Selhurst Park in the Premier League on Tuesday night (2 April).
The Eagles are without a win in their last games in the Premier League, and Oliver Glasner will demand a strong performance from his players.
In the previous two games, Palace took an early lead through Jean-Philippe Mateta, but they failed to pick up all three points. They drew against Luton and Nottingham Forest with a 1-1 scoreline, where Mateta scored in both games.
Ahead of the match, Oliver Glasner has showered praise on Mateta saying he was “excellent” against Nottingham Forest, and that the 26-year-old can still improve.
Palace have lacked composure in front of goal in recent games, and Glasner has suggested they have been training hard on finishing.
Mateta has been impressive this season for Palace having scored nine goals in all competitions, six of them coming in the Premier League. Glasner says that the French striker is brimming with confidence.
“JP is the one who raises his hand. He has the confidence. His finish against Forest was excellent. We know his strengths, his physicality. There are many things he can still improve on,” said Glasner, as quoted by the Mirror (page 51).
Palace need some wins to boost confidence
Glasner needs more time to implement his style and philosophy but he has made a positive impact.
Palace are eight points above the drop zone, and they can mark themselves as safe if they win against Bournemouth away from home tonight. It is also a good opportunity for them to close the gap with the Cherries.
Odsonne Edouard has also managed six goals in 17 starts in the Premier League this season. The two French strikers have been decent for Palace, but Glasner should look to bring in someone who can guarantee them tons of goals.
In other news, Chris Sutton has made his prediction for Crystal Palace clash v Bournemouth.
