In a critical clash in the Premier League, Southampton will host Crystal Palace at St. Mary's Stadium on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 15:45 (Brasilia time). This match, part of the 30th round of the 2024/25 season, pits two teams with starkly different objectives against each other. Southampton, languishing at the bottom of the table, is desperate for points to avoid relegation, while Crystal Palace aims to solidify its mid-table position and potentially challenge for a higher finish.
The Saints, currently last with only 9 points from 29 matches, have had an abysmal campaign, winning just two games and suffering 24 losses. Their recent form has been particularly concerning, with nine defeats in their last ten outings. Under the guidance of coach Ivan Jurić, who took over in December 2024, Southampton has struggled to find form and remains six points adrift from safety, with Wolverhampton sitting just above the relegation zone.
Southampton's home record has been dismal, marked by only one win, one draw, and a staggering twelve losses. The team has scored just 21 goals while conceding 70, resulting in a mere 10.34% performance rate. The pressure is mounting on Jurić to turn around the team's fortunes, and a victory against Crystal Palace could reignite their hopes of survival.
In contrast, Crystal Palace is enjoying a solid run of form, having won their last five matches, including a crucial 2-1 victory over Manchester United in their previous outing. Currently sitting in 12th place with 35 points, the Eagles are looking to push further up the table and solidify their position away from the relegation battle. Coach Oliver Glasner has instilled confidence in the squad, which has seen a resurgence in form after a shaky start to the season.
The historical context of this rivalry adds an extra layer of intrigue to the match. Southampton and Crystal Palace have faced each other 98 times, with Southampton winning 45 of those encounters, while Palace has claimed victory 34 times, and 19 matches have ended in draws. The last meeting on December 29, 2024, saw Crystal Palace triumph 2-1, with goals from Trevoh Chalobah and Eberechi Eze, while Tyler Dibling netted the lone goal for Southampton.
As both teams prepare for the match, the expected formations are likely to be a 3-4-2-1 for Southampton, with Aaron Ramsdale in goal, supported by a defense of Kyle Walker-Peters, Armel Bella-Kotchap, and Jan Bednarek. The midfield will feature Yukinari Sugawara, Lesley Ugochukwu, Joe Aribo, and Ryan Manning, while the attack will be spearheaded by Paul Onuachu, with support from Tyler Dibling and Kamaldeen Sulemana.
On the other side, Crystal Palace is expected to line up in a 3-4-3 formation, with Dean Henderson as the goalkeeper. The defense will include Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, and Marc Guéhi. The midfield will consist of Daniel Muñoz, Adam Wharton, Jefferson Lerma, and Tyrick Mitchell, while Ismaila Sarr and Eberechi Eze will support the in-form striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has scored 10 goals this season.
Fans can expect an intense atmosphere at St. Mary's Stadium, which has a capacity of 32,000. Despite Southampton's struggles, the home crowd is likely to rally behind their team in a bid to inspire a much-needed victory. Tickets are available on the club's official website, with prices starting at 20 pounds for adults.
The weather forecast for the matchday indicates cloudy conditions, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 10°C. There is a chance of light rain in the early afternoon, but conditions are expected to improve by kickoff time. The pitch at St. Mary's is known for its quality and should be in good condition for the match.
Michael Oliver, an experienced referee in the Premier League, will officiate the game, assisted by Stuart Burt and Simon Bennett as assistant referees. Keith Stroud will serve as the fourth official, while David Coote and Simon Long will oversee VAR duties. Oliver's average of 4.5 yellow cards per game this season suggests he will maintain firm control over the match.
Betting odds indicate a slight favoritism for Crystal Palace, with odds for a victory set at 1.62, while Southampton's win is priced at 3.0, and a draw is at 2.5. Analysts suggest that both teams are likely to score, given Southampton's defensive vulnerabilities and Palace's attacking prowess. Predictions lean towards a 2-1 win for Crystal Palace or a 1-1 draw.
In conclusion, this match is pivotal for both teams. For Southampton, it represents a last chance to reignite their season and stave off relegation. For Crystal Palace, it is an opportunity to capitalize on their current form and secure a comfortable spot in the league. The stakes are high, and the clash promises to deliver excitement and drama as both teams vie for crucial points in the Premier League.
