As a whole, “Crystal Palace” continued to show traditional results under the leadership of Roy Hodgson in the new championship. Having practically not strengthened in the transfer market, the Eagles appeared to be a dangerous but unstable team. First, Crystal Palace beat Southampton at home (1:0), then beat Manchester United away (3:1), but then lost to Everton (1:2) and suffered a crushing defeat at Chelsea ( 0:4). There was also a departure from Bournemouth from the League Cup on penalties. “Crystal Palace” with Hodgson is traditionally ready to fulfill the minimum program, securing a residence permit in the elite. However, the eagles cannot aim for anything more. There was a chance last season, but Palace flunked the ending. At home, Crystal Palace has won only one of its six previous league matches. At the same time, at home matches, the Eagles often win the bet “total under 2.5” (8 times in the last 10 matches). Two players are injured at the London club: Nathan Ferguson and James Tomkins. The involvement of Patrick van Anholt, Connor Wickham and Jeffrey Schlupp is questionable.
On the other hand, the Rossoneri started the new championship excellently, having not easily won three victories, but at the same time not conceding a single goal into their own net. Stefano Pioli’s team dealt with Bologna (2:0) and Spice (3:0) at home, beating Crotone (2:0) between these matches. At the same time, Milan overcame three qualifying rounds of the Europa League in the second half of September and early November, beating the Irish Shamrock Rovers (2:0), the Norwegian Bodo Glimt (3:2) and barely breaking the resistance of the Portuguese Riu Ave (2 2, on pen. 9:8).
