The weekend’s Premier League action concludes at Selhurst Park on Monday evening as Crystal Palace prepare to welcome Brighton in the M23 derby.
There is a fierce rivalry between the two clubs dating back to the late 1970’s and it has been further intensified since both clubs became regular fixtures in the top-flight.
For Brighton, the game offers them the chance to potentially go top of the table, which would continue their remarkable beginning to the new season.
So far, they have won four games from five, with Graham Potter’s men looking more clinical than previously.
Patrick Vieira meanwhile, in his first managerial job in English football, has guided the Eagles to one win from five as they sit 15th in the table.
Brighton To Edge Tight Contest
Brighton may be taking more chances, but games involving them still lack huge numbers of goals.
This season, five of their seven competitive fixtures have seen fewer than three goals, which displays the fact they are genuinely tough to break down.
Only Everton have beaten them so far this season in a 2-0 triumph at the Amex Stadium, but otherwise progress has been serene.
Three of their four victories in the Premier League this season have been by the odd goal, with a 2-0 win against Watford representing their only so-called comfortable win.
They can therefore be backed at 33/10 to win by one goal.
Maupay The Man For Albion
Neal Maupay has become Brighton’s go-to goalscorer this season, netting three in five Premier League games.
The Frenchman has always been a lively customer up front, but could have been criticised in the past for not taking enough of his chances.
However, he has certainly done that this season and is one of the reasons why Albion have started the season in such great form.
The goals he has scored have also been crucial – he got Brighton back level against Burnley on the opening day and also netted the opener against Leicester City last time out.
Maupay can be backed at 12/5 to score anytime.
Gallagher To Bring Goalscoring Touch
One of Palace’s most impressive players this season has been Conor Gallagher, who arrived on a season-long loan deal from Chelsea.
The midfielder was one of a host of younger players brought to the club by Vieira, who was tasked with reducing the age of the squad.
So far, Gallagher has been a success, scoring two goals, both of which were against West Ham in August as the Eagles twice came from behind to secure a point.
Goalscoring midfielders are worth their weight in gold and Palace have one in Gallagher, who scored six in 26 for Charlton Athletic two years and twice for West Brom last season.
In what will be a passionate derby clash, Gallagher’s dynamism in midfield will be a big asset and he will also try shots from range.
He can be backed at 4/1 to score anytime against Brighton.
*All odds correct at time of writing
