Southampton FC vs Crystal Palace, Premier League 2022-2023, Today Match Prediction

Southampton FC vs Crystal Palace Match Prediction & Analysis

Southampton are looking the most likely to face relegation this season, with the Saints drifting away from the others at the foot of the table.

Ruben Selles became their third manager of the season when he took over from Nathan Jones, although results haven’t improved enough to lift them to safety.

With three defeats from their last four, time is quickly running out for Southampton to remain a Premier League team. 

Crystal Palace, on the other hand, have taken giant leaps to remaining in the top division next season, winning their last two games under the steady hand of Roy Hodgson.

Much was made of Patrick Vieira’s sacking and the reappointment of veteran coach Hodgson, but six points from six has strengthened their position in 12th.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Southampton FC Preview

Reasons to be cheerful:

     There’s still time to save their season

     Last three home games have been against Spurs, City and Brentford

Reasons to be fearful:

     Just two of their six wins have been at home this season

     Only one goal from their last two games

With eight games remaining, there is still time to save Southampton’s season, although they need to start winning games immediately.

They have had a tricky run of form at St. Mary’s recently, facing Brentford, Tottenham and Manchester City. Their next three are against Palace, Bournemouth and Fulham.

Unfortunately, their home form has been their downfall this season, collecting just 10 points from 15 games, including two victories. It’s not what their faithful fans expect to see.

With tough games coming up away from home, you feel that Southampton need to claim maximum points in these sorts of games.

Star Man – James Ward-Prowse

Ward-Prowse has often been their only hope this season and has a good record against Palace. He has three goals and three assists, only having better stats against Tottenham across his career.

Crystal Palace Preview

Reasons to be cheerful

     Consecutive wins under Roy Hodgson have revived team spirit

     Remain excellent at recovering from losing positions

Reasons to be fearful

     Remain without Zaha

     Only three wins away from home this season

Crystal Palace couldn’t have asked for a better start from returning manager Roy Hodgson, earning maximum points from his first two games in charge and taking a big leap towards safety.

Their fixture list looks relatively kind too, playing teams beneath them in the table in five of their next six games. One concern would be their away form, although they blasted past Leeds at Elland Road with a 5-1 win recently.

They will once again be without Wilf Zaha this weekend, but judging by their performance last weekend, they have others who are confident of filling the void.

Can they claim a third consecutive win? Going to a desperate Southampton will certainly be difficult.

Star Man – Michael Olise

Wasn’t on the scoresheet against Leeds, but provided a hattrick of assists for his teammates in a memorable performance by Olise. He has such quality on the right wing and has a great career ahead of him at 21.