Crystal Palace v Southampton: New boss Hodgson to spark immediate impact

Simon Mail
15 September 2017

Former England boss Roy Hodgson is back in management at Crystal Palace

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Simon Mail previews the televised clash at Selhurst Park and thinks new Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson can help his side claim their first points of the season...

"Anyone expecting a flurry of goals in the televised clash may be left disappointed. Palace have yet to score in the league this season while all bar one of Southampton's matches have seen at least one of the teams fail to find the net."

Crystal Palace v Southampton
Saturday, 12:30
Live on Sky Sports Premier League

Hodgson hired to get pointless Palace out of trouble

The first managerial casualty of the year came just four league games into the season after Crystal Palace brought a premature end to the tenure of Frank de Boer. It was a ruthless decision, so early into the season, but the Eagles' failure to earn a point or even score a goal ultimately led to the Dutchman's demise. His last game in charge came in Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Burnley which was a very harsh result after dominating the match.

Palace have moved quickly and brought in former England boss Roy Hodgson in a bid to avoid the threat of a relegation battle. It may not be an inspiring appointment, especially after the way the national team were humbled at Euro 2016, but his track record at clubs such as Fulham and West Brom suggests he can help improve the Eagles' results. His first game in charge is vitally important with fixtures against Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea to follow.

Saints struggling badly for goals

Southampton have made an unconvincing start to the season and their lack of goals has again been a source of frustration. The Saints have failed to score in nine of their last 12 league games and this problem which dogged Claude Puel's reign shows no signs of being solved. Southampton have only scored in one of their first four matches in the competition this season.

New boss Mauricio Pellegrino has yet to find the answer to their troubles in front of goal and Southampton did not look like scoring throughout their dismal 2-0 home defeat to Watford last weekend. Manolo Gabbiadini made a big impact following his arrival in January but the Italian striker has only scored once this season and the Saints need him to rediscover his form. The integration of Virgil van Dijk back into the defence would also be a boost after not featuring this season despite his desperate attempt to force a move failing to come off.

Hosts offer better value for victory

Crystal Palace are a tempting price at 3.052/1 to pull off their first league win of the season. The Eagles were extremely unlucky at Burnley and their expected goals figure of 4.73 this season is higher than Chelsea and shows their performances have been much better than their results would suggest. Hodgson's arrival should provide a lift to the players and this looks a winnable opener.

Southampton are favourites but offer no appeal at skinny odds of 2.6413/8 this weekend. The Saints have not impressed this season and have been beaten on their last two games at Selhurst Park. With just two wins from their last 13 matches, stretching back to the previous campaign, there is no interest in backing them at the prices to claim a victory.

The draw is available at 3.39/4 which surprisingly has not occurred in the last 16 meetings between the sides. Nevertheless, Southampton have been held in two of their first four games this season so it should not be discounted. Palace appeal for the win but with the visitors having had two stalemates already, it could be worth backing the hosts in the draw no bet market at 2.166/5.

Goals could be in short supply

Anyone expecting a flurry of goals in the televised clash may be left disappointed. Palace have yet to score in the league this season while all bar one of Southampton's matches have seen at least one of the teams fail to find the net. It is no surprise under 2.5 goals is a very short price but backing against both teams to score looks a strong bet. Two misfiring teams are unlikely to have a dramatic transformation and at least one side will probably struggle to score.

Opta Stat

Christian Benteke has scored five goals in his last five Premier League appearances against Southampton, including three in two for Crystal Palace. Benteke can be backed to add to that tally this weekend at 7/4.

Ref Watch

Robert Madley takes charge of this clash and it could be hard to keep all the players on the pitch if his current record is anything to go on. The referee has sent off four players in as many games this season including two in Manchester City's draw with Everton.

Recommended Bets

Back Crystal Palace draw no bet at 2.1411/10
Back no in both teams to score at 1.9520/21

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