Southampton vs Crystal Palace Predictions

• Southampton have conceded 1.87 goals per game at home this term
• Palace have won their last two games, scoring seven times
• The hosts have suffered nine defeats in 15 home league games this term
• Almost half of those nine losses were by two goals or more

Eagles looking up

Crystal Palace are out to complete a league double over Southampton for the first time since the 1990/91 and their hopes should be high after an impressive turnaround. The visitors have won back-to-back games following their 5-1 demolition of Leeds last week, with Roy Hodgson quickly alleviating any relegation fears.

Patrick Viera seemed harshly discarded ahead of a very winnable run of fixtures, but Hodgson has taken the Eagles back to basics with a counter-attacking approach relying on their incredible pace. He’ll be hoping they can continue their revival away to the worst side in the top-flight

Saints problems mounting

A return to the Championship is looking more likely by the week for Southampton, who are propping up the Premier League table under their third manager of the season. Neither appointment has given them much in the way of a boost, so they should be fearful of the form Palace bring to St Mary’s.

The hosts have lost three of their last four games, conceding 10 goals along the way. A stable defensive start for Ruben Selles has evaporated, with the hosts conceding at least twice in each of their last three at home.

The Saints have shipped 1.87 goals per game at their own ground this season and they have suffered nine defeats in 15 games in front of their home support, so a Palace side who are riding a wave can cause problems in this trip.

Palace pace to dazzle

Hodgson isn’t likely to stick around too long at Selhurst Park, so it makes sense that he’s honed in on his squad’s strengths, rather than Viera’s attempt to change the way the Eagles play. The visitors were devastating on the counter-attack at Leeds and their pace can catch out a Southampton side who have conceded 20 times at home from open play alone.

Palace have shown their quality in the final third with seven goals in two games and Eberechi Eze is making his mark, notching in the win over Leeds. He’s able to run from deep to support three players in the forward line who can create opportunities, so look to the winger to score in this clash.

No side has conceded 4+ goals in more different games in the Premier League this season than Southampton (4). While things shouldn’t get quite that bad against the Eagles, the way the visitors blew away Leeds suggests this should be a comfortable win. The Eagles have won by two or more in two of their three away wins this season, so look to them to claim a 3-1 victory.

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