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Crystal Palace v. Southampton: Preview and Prediction

By Robert Molnar

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This Boxing Day match looks destined to help determine Southampton’s fate this season. Currently sitting fifth in the table, the Saints will be looking for a full three points to continue their march up the standings. Crystal Palace will also be looking for a good result at home, with a win possibly moving them away from the relegation zone.

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The Saints come into the game following last weekend’s dominating 3-0 win over Europa League contestants Everton. Ronald Koeman’s side looks to have navigated its way through the squad’s recent injury spell.

With the impressive Premier League Rookie Dušan Tadić expected to return to action, Southampton should be able to regain some of its early season form. The Serbian play-maker has six assists already this season.

Crystal Palace will also find their line-up bolstered by a returning player. Forward Kevin Doyle is expected to return to action in this match. Many supporters will be hoping that Doyle’s return will lead to competition with Fraizer Campbell, over leading the Palace attack — an attack that has been lacking as of late, with only one goal from their last four matches. With only the goal differential keeping Palace above relegation zone, scoring will be as important as ever.

Key Stats

  • In ten Premier League matches, Southampton are undefeated against Crystal Palace (six wins, four draws). The last five games have all resulted in Southampton shutout wins.
  • Southampton also hold the all-time series lead, having won 39, lost 34 and drawn 22.
  • Crystal Palace can — with a loss — fall to 19th place on the table, while Southampton can rise up to third with another win over their London foes.

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    • The Saints will require some excellent play from the returning Dušan Tadić. Since first being out with a groin injury, Southampton have slid from second in the Premier League to their current fifth-place position.

    The Saint’s midfield will also be looking for a strong performance from midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin. The French international will be looking forward to a strong performance from himself as he tries to seek a move away from the south coast.

    The eagles will be looking for either the returning Kevin Doyle or Fraizer Campbell, to lead the attack. The recently goal-stricken club will need to be on the offensive in this match against the high-octane Saints.

    If neither fails to impress, look for Manager Neil Warnock to go to the bench early. With the squad’s defense playing at a high level recently, the games result could rest on the front line’s ability to score goals.

    The fact for Palace however, does not lie in who scores the goals. The main thing for the eagles will be scoring goals. Southampton on the other hand will need to utilize its good defensive discipline and cut down on mental mistakes when handling the ball. If no side is able to accomplish these goals, then they will give themselves an advantage at getting the result that they desire.

    Prediction

    Crystal Palace – 0, Southampton – 2

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