Prediction and odds for the game: Crystal Palace (19/10) v Southampton (7/5)
We are backing the away win
When: Saturday, 12th September 2020, Kick-off 15:00
Where: Selhurst Park
On Saturday afternoon, Crystal Palace host Southampton at Selhurst Park, as both teams look to make a winning start to the 2020/21 Premier League campaign.
Crystal Palace
The Eagles finished nine points clear of the relegation zone last season, despite finishing the campaign in poor form. Roy Hodgson’s team failed to win any of their last eight games of last season, suffering seven defeats.
Palace’s main problem towards the end of the campaign was conceding too many goals, as the home side conceded at least twice in five of their final six league matches. At the other end of the pitch, only bottom of the table Norwich scored fewer goals than Hodgson’s team in the Premier League.
The visitors have won just two of their previous 12 away games in the English top-flight, having lost their previous four league matches on their travels, failing to score in any of the defeats.
The Eagles have moved to strengthen their options by bringing in attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze from Championship club QPR. The youngster could help the home team’s attacking efforts. Young defender Nathan Ferguson has also arrived on a free transfer from West Brom.
Southampton
The visitors finished last season in good form, with highly-rated boss Ralph Hasenhuttl’s influence bearing fruit with results. The team from the south coast finished 11th place in the table after mounting a seven-game unbeaten run at the end of the campaign, winning their final two league games against Bournemouth and Sheffield United.
The Saints started to look a major goal threat towards the end of the season, scoring at least two goals in their final four league games. Star striker Danny Ings ended the campaign with an impressive 22 Premier League goals. The striker’s performance led to the former Liverpool star being named in the England squad for the recent Nations League games.
The visitors were solid on their travels towards the end of the campaign, as they claimed victories in seven of their final 11 matches on the road in the English top-flight.
Southampton have strengthened their squad with the signings of full-back Kyle Walker-Peters and centre-back Mohamed Salisu, who will add to Hasenhuttl’s defensive options in the new campaign.
Conclusion
Palace have been unable to add majorly to their squad in the current window. However, the addition of Eze is an interesting one. There is a major feeling of positivity at Southampton after their stellar finish to last season. Hasenhuttl’s team will be looking for a top-half finish this season. The first bet we are recommending is the away win, as the break is short enough for the Saints to take the positive momentum into this season. We also believe that this game will be low-scoring, so we are backing under 2.5 goals scored.
Verdict: We are backing the away win at odds of 7/5 and/or under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 4/6. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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Will the Eagles or the Saints come out on top in gameweek one?
