Crystal Palace kick off their Premier League campaign today against Southampton, a team they expect to be competing with for a top-10 finish come May.
Palace finished last season with seven successive defeats before holding Tottenham to a draw on the final day.
However, reinforcements in the shape of exciting youngster Eberechi Eze and returning loanee Michy Batshuayi, along with full-back Nathan Ferguson, has lifted spirits at Selhurst Park.
Southampton had just one pre-season friendly, compared to four for the Eagles, which may show in terms of fitness on Saturday.
Date, time and venue
Crystal Palace vs Southampton is scheduled for a 3pm BST kick-off on Saturday, September 12.
The match will be played behind closed doors at Craven Cottage with no fans due to be present due to government guidelines regarding coronavirus.
How to watch
TV channel: The match will be televised live on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate, with coverage starting from 3pm after Fulham vs Arsenal.
Live stream: BT Sport subscribers will be able to stream the match online via the video player and the BT Sport app.
Team news
Roy Hodgson will weigh up whether to unleash new signing Eberechi Eze after he recovered from a groin injury. Michy Batshuayi is likely to go straight into the team after completing his loan switch from Chelsea.
Palace are still missing injured defenders Mamadou Sakho, Gary Cahill and James Tomkins, so Cheikhou Kouyate is set to start alongside Scott Dann at centre-back.
New signing Nathan Ferguson is still recovering from the knee injury he suffered at West Brom last season, Patrick van Aanholt is missing and Christian Benteke and Connor Wickham have also been ruled out. Youngster Tyrick Mitchell is set to start at left-back.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-1 Southampton
Roy Hodgson will have made it clear that importance of a good home record but Southampton, and Ralph Hasenhuttl, pose a signficant threat.
An intriguing game on the opening day.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
These two clubs have met on 110 previous occasions across all competitions. Southampton boast a commanding lead in terms of wins, 47 to 39. There have also been 24 draws.
Palace have not beaten Saints since January 2018.
Betting odds and tips
- Crystal Palace to win: 12/5
- Southampton to win: 13/10
- Draw: 9/4
Odds courtesy of Betfair Exchange. Click here to find out more.
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