Southampton won both Premier League encounters with Crystal Palace last season. The first was a 3-1 victory at Selhurst Park last December, which was then followed by a 1-0 win at St Mary’s in March. However, Alan Pardew was only in charge for the second of those games. He will understand that beating Southampton will strengthen their top-eight credentials at the expense of the Saints.
Expectations
Crystal Palace are only slight favourites at 2.50 with ladbrokes, given that the Eagles have been weaker at home than they have been in their impressive away games. Palace are currently around the middle of the table based on home form. From eight games, they have only won eight. Four losses and a draw have held them back from being higher in the table.
Pardew’s team has been dropping points at home because their 11 goals scored have been offset by nine conceded, which works out as an average of 2.5 goals in their home games. Centre-backs Scott Dann and Damien Delaney will have to be more effective if they are to deny Southampton’s talented attackers.
Southampton find themselves in 12th place after 15 games, which is surprising for a team that was so impressive last season. That being said, it is too early to ring any alarm bells. Teams can go through streaks like this and just as easily work their way out of them. Dropping two points to Aston Villa should serve as an eye-opener for the team.
Crucial for Ronald Koeman will be the performances of Graziano Pellè, Sadio Mané, and Dušan Tadi?. This trio has not been productive in the last few games. Without them, Southampton have dropped points and seen their performances suffer. Each player needs to raise their game to the standard of which they are capable.
Match Tips
Tip one: Southampton @ 2.80 with ladbrokes
Tip two: Over 2.5 goals @ 2.15 with ladbrokes
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Southampton will try to get back on track by taking advantage of a dangerous Crystal Palace team that have a habit of dropping points when playing at home.
