Crystal Palace host bottom club Southampton on Sunday with the Eagles hoping to soar further away from the relegation scrap.
WATCH — Crystal Palace v Southampton
Oliver Glasner’s side have only lost one of their last seven in the Premier League and they are becoming very tough to beat (they’ve had four draws in that run) and drew 0-0 away at Bournemouth on Boxing Day. But they’re still not clicking in attack with Eze and Mateta yet to reach the heights of last season. Injuries have started to crop up and Palace sit just three points above the relegation zone heading into this game.
Southampton impressed under new manager Ivan Juric on Boxing Day but they missed a host of glorious chances and lost 1-0 at home against West Ham. Saints’ new playing style under the Croatian coach is about high-pressing, whipping crosses into the box and committing players forwards. That leaves them vulnerable on the counter but at this point they have to go for it to try and drag themselves back towards the clubs sitting above them. They’re nine points from safety heading into this matchweek.
How to watch Crystal Palace vs Southampton live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 10am ET Sunday (December 29)
Venue: Selhurst Park — London
TV Channel: Peacock
Streaming: Watch live on Peacock
Crystal Palace team news, focus
USMNT center back Chris Richards is set to come in for Palace’s suspended skipper Marc Guehi. The Eagles are hoping Eberechi Eze can get back to his best after recently returning from injury.
OUT: Marc Guehi (suspension), Adam Wharton (groin), Rob Holding (undisclosed), Matheus Franca (groin), Will Hughes (knee) | QUESTIONABLE: Chadi Riad (fitness), Franco Umeh (thigh)
Southampton team news, focus
Saints will likely go with a similar team to the one which played well against West Ham, although the likes of Cameron Archer, Adam Lallana and Ryan Manning could come in to freshen things up and keep the tempo high. Expect Paul Onuachu to have plenty of service as the giant striker is getting closer to his first Premier League goal.
OUT: Gavin Bazunu (Achilles), Ross Stewart (muscular), William Smallbone (thigh), Jack Stephens (knock)
Crystal Palace vs Southampton prediction
This is a massive game for both teams and it feels like it will be decided by one goal as both teams play the same system and it will be very tight. Something is pointing towards Southampton grabbing a huge win to give them belief in their battle against relegation. Crystal Palace 0-1 Southampton.
