7M - 2026/5/17 22:00 Premier League Preview: Brentford vs Crystal Palace - prediction, team news, lineups

The Gtech Community Stadium will host its final home fixture of the season this Sunday as Brentford take on Crystal Palace in a crucial Round 37 clash. While the Bees are buzzing with European ambitions, the Eagles arrive with one eye on their upcoming continental silverware pursuit.

Match Overview

Brentford currently sit 8th in the Premier League table with 51 points, maintaining a realistic hope of securing European qualification. Their recent form at home has been a cornerstone of their campaign, having lost only once in their last six outings at the Gtech. For Crystal Palace, the season has been a mix of domestic inconsistency and knockout success. Positioned 15th with 44 points, Oliver Glasner's side is mathematically safe from relegation but may be prioritizing their health ahead of the Europa Conference League final on May 27.

Form and Tactical Highlights

Brentford: The Bees' offensive threat centers around Igor Thiago, who has enjoyed a prolific season with 22 league goals. His physical presence and clinical finishing have guided Brentford to a +7 goal difference. Tactically, Brentford have been aggressive at home, with over 2.5 goals scored in 75% of their recent home matches.

Crystal Palace: Defensively, Palace have struggled of late, conceding three goals in each of their last two matches, including a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City. Offensively, Jean-Philippe Mateta remains their primary outlet with 11 goals this season. However, their away form is a concern, with only a 16% victory rate in their last six road trips.

Team News & Predicted Lineups

Brentford: Manager Keith Andrews confirmed that Rico Henry (hamstring) is unlikely to feature. Long-term absentees Fabio Carvalho and Antoni Milambo (both ACL) remain sidelined. However, Jordan Henderson, Vitaly Janelt, and Aaron Hickey are available to bolster the midfield.

Predicted Lineup (4-4-2): Kelleher; Kayode, Collins, Pinnock, Van den Berg; Mbeumo, Henderson, Janelt, Schade; Igor Thiago, Wissa.

Crystal Palace: The Eagles are managing several fitness issues. Borna Sosa (muscle), Cheick Doucoure (knee), and Eddie Nketiah (strain) are expected to miss out. With the Conference League final approaching, Glasner may rotate certain key players.

Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1): Dean Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Canvot; Munoz, Hughes, Lerma, Mitchell; Brennan Johnson, Yere-mi Pino; Mateta.

Fixture Pressure

The stakes could not be more different. Brentford must secure maximum points from their final two games to keep the pressure on the teams above them for a top-seven finish. Conversely, Crystal Palace faces the challenge of maintaining competitive intensity while avoiding any fresh injuries before their historic final in ten days.

Prediction: Brentford 2-1 Crystal Palace

Given Brentford's formidable home record and Palace's defensive lapses in recent away fixtures, the Bees are clear favorites to take all three points.