The Eagle welcomed Birmingham City on Monday for the first time since 2009 when the sides were all level at Selhurst Park.
The Blues opened fire early on with Nathan Redmond shooting from long range, however Speroni was equal to it and got his body in the way, forcing the ball for a corner.
Palace took their turn at goal, Mile Jedinak (who has had mixed reviews since joining Palace) let off a fierce half volley from range, forcing Myhill to make a very good save. Palace pushed again just minutes later, Clyne & Scannel combining well to put the right-back in on goal but a brilliant last ditch tackle from Murphy sent the ball out for a corner, despite calls for a penalty from fans it was a fantastic tackle.
The second half saw Palace come flying out the traps, Jedinak coming close again from a set-piece, his headed effort was saved, once again, by Myhill. A scramble from a corner that came shortly after left Palace frustrated, Murray with the first effort before KG's effort from the edge of the D was blocked for another corner, Palace looked very menacing. The corner that followed built even more frustration as Paddy McCarthy struck the post with a header that had beaten the Blues 'keeper.
Birmingham found their attacking stride as Burke beat Parr to get a good shot off that tested Speroni, Caldwell's follow-up header cleared the bar.
Another corner for Palace and finally their pressure was rewarded, the original cross was cleared to Clyne who passed it back to Ambrose, KG ran into the area from 30 yards out to hunt down the cross that followed and it was his head that turned the ball over Myhill and into the back of the net to secure the victory for Palace. Not quite sure what his dancing celebration was about but Scannell and Gardner joined in with the South African international who scores his first of the season. Palace now move up to eighth in the table, just two points clear of the play-off zone.
Team news
Crystal Palace will of course play without Lee Hills, Jonathan Williams & Alex Marrow as the trio suffer from three different leg injuries. Wilfried Zaha will return at St Mary's following his suspension. Jedinak will miss out through suspension and Moxey (knee) and Keinan (ankle) are doubtful.
Southampton will hope that Richard Chaplow is fit after missing the last three matches with a knee injury. Lee Barnard is sidelined however for another two months due to his ankle injury.
Preview
Crystal Palace board the coach on Boxing Day with a trip to the league leaders Southampton awaiting them. The two sides have met once already this season, Southampton crossing Palace at Selhurst Park and being stomped out 2-0 as Palace progressed in the Carling Cup. However, this is an entirely different kettle of fish as Southampton have had an almost perfect home record so far this season drawing just one of the eleven they've played at St Mary's; the other ten were victories. The Saints are without a win in three which bodes well for The Eagles.
Crystal Palace's away form last season was abysmal, winning just one game. However this season they've seen a much better return on their travels; winning five. It does have to be mentioned that away fixtures are "hit and miss" for Palace as they have not only won five, but lost the other six.
In the spirit of Christmas let's hope that the lads are not too full from Grandma's turkey & stuffing and can leave the south with more than nothing as even a draw against So'ton at home is a very good result. Unfortunately, given the time of year I am unable to make the trip down south for this one, restricted train services don't permit me much further than Croydon. But to all that are attending, sing loud, be proud, make it a very merry christmas for all in Red n Blue (or yellow as the case may be).
Southampton's last six:
D-D-L-W-L-W
My CPFC line-up
Speroni
Clyne McCarthy Ramage Parr
Wright Dikgacoi
Zaha Ambrose Scannell
Martin
Subs: Price, Gardner, O'Keefe, Easter, Murray
Last time out
Crystal Palace 2-0 Southampton
Ambrose (73')
Easter (pen, 82')
Match Facts:
- The sides have met 70 times over the years; Southampton 31-16-23 Crystal Palace.
- Crystal Palace have scored an average of 1.09 goals on their travels, conceding 1.27.
- Southampton have scored an average of 2.54 goals at St Mary's, conceding 0.72.
- Southampton have beaten Palace once in the last six meetings (two draws).
- Neither side has 'done the double' over the other since the 92/93 season when Southampton travelled to Selhurst Park in September to win 1-2 and then home to win 1-0. However, in between these fixtures Palace beat Southampton in the League Cup, 0-2.
My Prediction
Southampton 2-1 C Palace
Lambert Martin
Lallana
PALACE FANS DO NOT SLEIGH ME FOR THIS PREDICTION, I HAVE BEEN HONEST WITH MY PREDICTION HOWEVER I DO HOPE WE WIN!
No comments:
Post a Comment