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After recording their first win in six games, Southampton will be looking to gain a bit of momentum ahead of their clash with Chelsea by getting a decent result against a Crystal Palace side who have had mixed fortunes this season.
A tough away day for any Premier League team, Crystal Palace are renowned to have the most raucous home atmosphere in the English top flight.
Last season, ex-Eagles boss Tony Pulis made their team difficult to beat at home. But, Palace have accrued only eight points in eight games at home this season and present coach Neil Warnock will want to improve on that record when Saints come to visit on Boxing Day.
Southampton welcome back Morgan Schneiderlin, Victor Wanyama and Florin Gardos from suspension. However, Saints captain Jose Fonte, formerly of Crystal Palace, will miss the trip to South London with a one match ban due to earning five yellow cards.
Last saturday's game against Everton saw Southampton manager Ronald Koeman adopt a new 3-5-2 formation and it worked expertly well in their 3-0 win over the Merseyside club. These changes were made due to the injuries and suspensions suffered by Saints, so it is unclear how the South Coast club will line up when welcoming back some key players to the side.
Saints will still be missing the likes of Jack Cork, Jay Rodriguez and Jake Hesketh through injury. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are only missing one starting XI regular in Marouane Chamakh. Former Saints winger Jason Puncheon will be available for Palace, and he would surely love to get one over his former club.
Southampton have won all of their last five league fixtures with Crystal Palace and the Croydon club have failed to score in each of those. Warnock was Palace manager the last time they beat Saints in a 3-0 win in the Championship.
The Eagles have won just one game in their last 11 Premier League matches, keeping only one clean sheet in this run.