The opening fixture of the Premier League 2020-21 season campaign sets to see Crystal Palace lock horns with side Southampton. The match schedules at the Selhurst Park on Saturday with kickoff at 5 pm.
The Eagles had a mixed season, managing to finish 14th in the table. Southampton managed to finish nine points and three places above their weekend opponents. Crystal Palace was in contention of a Europa League finish at the final third of the season before a slump diminished their hopes.
Southampton had a memorable season, especially after the lockdown. The season ended with forward Danny Ings becoming second runners up for the Golden Boot behind Aubameyang and James Vardy.
Ralph Hassenhult finished off the season with two wins over Sheffield United and Bournemouth, making it a seven-game undefeated run. The side bolstered their squad this transfer window with Kyle-Walker Peters’ permanent signing and Mohammed Salisu from Real Vallavoid. The Saints also sold former captain Emile Hojberg to Tottenham.
Roy Hodgson was on a seven losing streak before the 1-1 draw to side Tottenham on the final day. The side failed to score in six of their defeats, with the attack proving the most significant threat. The side will cherish Eberechi Eze, Mitchy Batshuayi, and Nathan Ferguson into the attacking line.
Crystal Palace vs. Southampton Head to Head
Both sides have met on 28 occasions, with Palace taking nine wins while Southampton with 14 wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Crystal Palace 1-1 Brondby IF
Millwall 0-1 Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace 3-0 Charlton Athletic
Crystal Palace 2-1 Oxford United
C. P 1-1 Tottenham
Away
Southampton 3-1 Sheffield United
Bournemouth 0-2 Southampton
Southampton 1-1 Brighton
Man United 2-2 Southampton
Everton 1-1 Southampton
Crystal Palace Team News
Eze was on international duty last week and remained a doubt ahead of the weekend’s clash. Injury woes at the camp include Christian Benteke, Patrick van Aanholt, James Tomkins, and Gary Cahill. Zaha has been in good shape during the preseason, with Batshuayi providing a threat up top.
Southampton Team News
The only confirmed injury woe at the club in Stuart Armstrong sustained during the international clash with Scotland. It might push for Moussa Djenepo and William Smallbone for a starting lineup this weekend. Danny Ings is back again to give the Golden Boot another shot.
Prediction and Odds
In the six opening fixtures played by Palace at home, the side is yet to win any, and we expect the same this weekend.
Draw
Both Teams to Score
Goals Under 3.5
