Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
Southampton’s relegation seems inevitable at this point. While the club may not have formally accepted it, the signs are glaring — and Crystal Palace look poised to capitalise with another three points in their European push.
Southampton
Among this season’s promoted sides, Southampton have been the least competitive. All three are staring at a quick return to the Championship, but they can’t even keep pace with their fellow strugglers — they sit eight points adrift at the bottom. Their downfall has been a porous defence: 70 goals conceded, averaging 2.4 per match. In four of their last five league games, Southampton have shipped more than two. Only fellow relegation candidate Wolverhampton managed to keep the score respectable (2:1). In fact, only Wolverhampton have failed to beat Southampton by more than a single goal during that stretch.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace, on the other hand, are hitting their stride. They have cleared the -1.5 handicap in four of their last five matches in all competitions. The only exception was a narrow 1:0 win over Ipswich Town, where goalkeeper Alex Palmer pulled off a string of saves despite Crystal Palace creating 3.26 xG. In their other recent fixtures, they’ve been clinical — netting at least twice per game. Fulham were brushed aside twice, 2:0 in the league and 3:0 in the FA Cup, both away from home.
Southampton vs Crystal Palace Prediction
If Crystal Palace can make light work of a top-four hopeful like Fulham, what chance do the league’s bottom-dwellers have? Southampton’s brittle backline will likely fold again, and with little to play for, expect lapses that lead to avoidable goals.
