Crystal Palace vs Southampton Prediction & Betting Tips (29 December)

Behind the leaders of this Premier League, Crystal Palace is unable to do well in this championship and above all must usually ensure that it maintains a margin on the relegation zone. This 2024-2025 season is no exception to the rule for the London club which is only in 16th position in the ranking for the moment, with a lead of only 4 lengths over the first relegation place. Since their last victory against Brighton 1-3, the Eagles have been dominated by Arsenal twice. First in the Carabao Cup 3-2 then in the championship last weekend 1-5. On Thursday, they will try to get back on track against Bournemouth on Boxing Day.

On the other hand, Southampton's return to the Premier League after a short spell last year in the Championship is going downhill. Well below the competition, the Saints bring up the rear in the standings with a very meager record of 6 points collected in 17 days. Moreover, the promoted side have had a string of bad results recently with defeats suffered against Chelsea 1-5, Aston Villa 1-0 and Tottenham 0-5 before finally being able to raise their heads against Fulham 0-0 following the arrival on the bench of Ivan Juric. Thursday, the red lantern receives West Ham to try to find a little hope in their quest to maintain.

Among the Londoners, defender Riad, absent for several month, could have made its return mid-week. The same could be true for midfielder Eze. Conversely, the right-back replacing Ward, the unused Holding, the midfielders França (no match) and Wharton as well as the little used Umeh-Chibueze will all have to throw in the towel for this game. Vice Olympic champion last summer with the Bleuets, the Frenchman Mateta scored 7 goals in all competitions but he has only 4 goals in the Premier League just like the former Marseillais Sarr (4 goals). Saints, last year's starting goalkeeper Bazunu, absent from longtime Larios, potential starting midfielder Smallbone and Replacement striker Stewart is still not recovered for this trip to London.

Former Lyonnais Maxwell Cornet is also missing. With only 11 goals scored this season in the Premier League, this team is struggling to be dangerous and they have the worst offensive record in this championship. No player on this team has scored more than twice this season.