Crystal Palace vs Southampton Prediction: Stalemate on the cards

As the Premier League approaches the midway point, Crystal Palace and Southampton will lock horns on Sunday afternoon (15:00) at Selhurst Park, in what could prove to be a significant clash in terms of the relegation battle.

Palace played out a goalless draw with AFC Bournemouth on Boxing Day, while the Saints tasted defeat at home to West Ham United. Read on for my Crystal Palace vs Southampton prediction, as well as the latest team news and match odds.

Football Odds

Team News

Marc Guehi will miss out for the hosts after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Bournemouth on Boxing Day, meaning that he will serve a one-game suspension here.

Will Hughes is also a doubt after being forced off with a knock against the Cherries, however Jean-Philippe Mateta is expected to lead the line as three of the Frenchman's four goals have come against newly-promoted sides.

As for the visitors, Ivan Juric will be unable to call upon the services of Gavin Bazunu, Ross Stewart and Will Smallbone. All three were absent against West Ham, and are expected to remain on the sidelines on Sunday.

Juric has also admitted that he needs to give Armel Bella-Kotchap a chance, after the German was frozen out by Russell Martin and hasn't featured for the Saints since the Carabao Cup tie with Cardiff City in August.

Crystal Palace vs Southampton Odds

*Please click on the link above to be taken to the main Crystal Palace vs Southampton page on betfred.com (or app) for all the live betting prices on this match.

Palace are 3/5 favourites to claim a vital three points, giving them an implied win probability of 62.5%, while the draw is 16/5 and Southampton are 9/2 to win their first away game this term.

Mateta tops the anytime goalscorer market at 7/5, while Adam Armstrong is the shortest-priced for the visitors at 3/1.

Match Result - Draw @ 16/5

After making a slow start to the season, Crystal Palace did appear to be finally moving in the right direction, however their form has dipped in recent weeks.

Oliver Glasner’s side have won just one of their last four Premier League games, though they did battle their way to a 0-0 draw away at Bournemouth on Boxing Day - a point Glasner described as a 'good' one.

As a result, Palace are currently sat in 16th place, just three points above the relegation zone, so the Eagles will be looking to get back to winning ways on Sunday.

As will their opponents, Southampton, who failed to benefit from a new manager bounce from Juric on Boxing Day, losing 1-0 at home to West Ham. However, the Saints only have themselves to blame as poor finishing cost them a positive result against the Hammers.

Juric's second game at the helm should bring their first point at least - four of Palace's last seven Premier League matches finished as a stalemate and the Saints should have enough resilience to earn a draw at Selhurst Park. Especially since they're currently nine points adrift of safety, and need to start getting points on the board.

Under 2.5 goals @ 11/10

So, I've opted for Sunday's encounter to be a draw, and I think it'll be a low-scoring game.

Palace (18) and Southampton (11) are two of the league's lowest-scoring teams, and I'd be very surprised to see the goals flowing at Selhurst Park.

This bet has landed in three of the visitor's last four league games, while this has also been a winning pick in six of Palace's nine home games this term.

Offers

Sunday (29/12): Place an In-Play single bet of £10 or more at odds of 1/2+ on any Premier League or Championship game on Sunday and get £5 in Free Bets to use In-Play on Monday’s games. (Credited upon Bet Settlement)

Acca Flex: Place a pre-match 5+ leg Football accumulator and get a CASH bonus up to 100% if all of your selections win or your money back as CASH if one leg lets you down.

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