Manager Ivan Juric confirmed plans to shake things up before Southampton’s clash with fellow strugglers Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace wrap up their 2024 campaign on Sunday afternoon, hosting a revitalized Southampton at Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace vs. Southampton: Match Preview
Southampton’s season has been dismal so far, but new manager Ivan Juric has provided a glimmer of hope. In his debut, a narrow 1-0 loss to West Ham, the Saints showed signs of improvement and arguably deserved a point. Post-match, Juric remarked, “From watching the Fulham game and today, I think our team can compete.”
A shift toward pragmatism could benefit Southampton, who have amassed just six points this season.
Crystal Palace’s Recent Form
While Palace began the season struggling alongside Southampton, manager Oliver Glasner has steadied the ship. Though not as dominant as earlier this year, the Eagles now appear more balanced and capable of climbing toward mid-table.
After consecutive defeats to Arsenal, a Boxing Day draw against Bournemouth offered a welcome reprieve.
Match Details
Location: Selhurst Park, London
Date: Sunday, December 29
Kick-off Time: 15:00 GMT / 10:00 ET / 07:00 PT
Referee: Michael Salisbury
VAR: Graham Scott
Recent Head-to-Head
Crystal Palace: 3 wins
Southampton: 1 win
Draws: 1
Last Meeting: Southampton 0-2 Crystal Palace (April 15, 2023)
Current Form
Crystal Palace
– Bournemouth 0-0 Crystal Palace (Dec 26)
– Crystal Palace 1-5 Arsenal (Dec 21)
– Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace (Dec 18)
Southampton
– Southampton 0-1 West Ham (Dec 26)
– Fulham 0-0 Southampton (Dec 22)
– Southampton 1-2 Liverpool (Dec 18)
Team News
Crystal Palace
Captain Marc Guehi is suspended, with Chris Richards likely stepping in. Eberechi Eze is fit to start, while Adam Wharton, Chadi Riad, and Matheus Franca remain sidelined. Cheick Doucoure could replace Will Hughes in midfield.
Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1):
Henderson; Chalobah, Lacroix, Richards; Munoz, Lerma, Doucoure, Mitchell; Eze, Sarr; Mateta
Southampton
Juric is expected to stick with a back three. Paul Onuachu should keep his spot upfront, while Tyler Dibling could start after an impressive cameo. Gavin Bazunu, Juan Larios, Ross Stewart, and Will Smallbone are out.
**Predicted Lineup (3-4-1-2):**
Ramsdale; Harwood-Bellis, Stephens, Bednarek; Sugawara, Downes, Ugochukwu, Walker-Peters; Dibling; Archer, Onuachu
Score Prediction
A cagey encounter is likely, with both sides potentially canceling each other out. While Southampton have improved under Juric, their lack of firepower could be their undoing. Palace’s solid defense and dynamic front three might produce the one decisive moment.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-0 Southampton
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