Crystal Palace vs Southampton Predictions

Crystal Palace vs Southampton Predictions for this Premier League clash. Crystal Palace aim to bounce back in the Premier League as they host struggling Southampton at Selhurst Park on Sunday, seeking a crucial victory to regain momentum in their campaign. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Premier League | Dec 29, 2024 at 3pm UK at Selhurst Park

Crystal Palace vs Southampton Predictions

Will Crystal Palace’s Resolve Prevail Against Southampton’s Desperation?

• Home struggles haunt Palace: Crystal Palace have scored just seven home goals in the Premier League this season, the third-lowest tally in the division.
• Southampton’s scoring woes: With only 11 goals in 18 matches, the Saints have the worst attacking record in the league, highlighting their lack of cutting edge.
• Mateta’s eye for the occasion: Jean-Philippe Mateta has netted three of his four goals this season against struggling teams, proving his ability to shine in must-win games.

Our Tips

As the Premier League drama unfolds on Sunday afternoon, Selhurst Park will play host to a pivotal clash between Crystal Palace and Southampton. Both teams find themselves in precarious positions: Palace are clinging onto 16th place, only three points above the relegation zone, while Southampton are firmly rooted to the bottom of the table, nine points adrift of safety. This match has the makings of a gritty, high-stakes affair, where every touch of the ball could tip the scales.

For Palace, their campaign has been a story of inconsistency. A promising revival seemed within grasp, yet recent weeks have seen their progress falter. The Eagles did manage a resilient 0-0 draw against Bournemouth on Boxing Day, showcasing defensive solidity, but questions remain about their attacking fluency at home.

Meanwhile, Southampton, under new management with Ivan Jurić, are still searching for a spark. A narrow 1-0 loss to West Ham in their last outing highlighted their struggles to turn possession into goals. A daunting task awaits the Saints as they travel to South London, facing a side determined to claw their way out of the relegation dogfight.

Best Bet: Crystal Palace to Win & Under 4.5 Goals

The best value lies in backing Crystal Palace to win in a low-scoring affair. Odds of evens (1/1) for a Palace victory with under 4.5 goals feel enticing, given the context of both teams’ struggles.

Palace, despite their inconsistencies, have demonstrated an ability to edge out close matches. Their three league victories this season have all come with fewer than five goals in total, a pattern that aligns with their defensive approach and sporadic attacking form. Selhurst Park hasn’t been a fortress this season, but the Eagles are likely to see this as a must-win, especially against a team with such glaring weaknesses.

Southampton, on the other hand, have scored just 11 goals all season, the lowest tally in the division. Their blunt attack, combined with a fragile defence that has conceded 36 times, does little to inspire confidence. Adding to their woes, midfield enforcer Flynn Downes, while combative, has been more notable for his disciplinary record than his ability to shield the backline.

Jean-Philippe Mateta emerges as a key figure for Palace in this clash. With three of his four goals this season coming against struggling sides, he thrives on exploiting vulnerable defences like Southampton’s. The Eagles’ ability to control midfield through Cheick Doucouré and Jefferson Lerma should also allow them to dictate the tempo, stifling any Southampton resistance.

Our expert, Steve Harrington, weighs in: “This is Palace’s game to lose. The Saints’ blunt attack and Palace’s history of keeping clean sheets against them suggest a low-scoring win is the likely outcome. At even-money odds, this is a solid shout.”

Correct Score Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-0 Southampton

A 2-0 scoreline feels like the most probable outcome, reflecting both teams’ current trajectories and underlying statistics. Palace have struggled for goals but are capable of breaking down Southampton’s porous defence, particularly through set-pieces and counter-attacks. Mateta and Eberechi Eze, both of whom can create moments of brilliance, are likely candidates to find the net.

Southampton’s dire scoring record suggests they will find it difficult to breach Palace’s backline, even in the absence of Marc Guehi. Palace’s Chris Richards, stepping into the defence, will aim to seize this opportunity to prove his worth, further solidifying the home side’s defensive resolve.

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