Prediction League: Palace away

In the build up to this fixture everyone is talking about one man.

Luckily he is a man who loves to be the centre of attention and until recently was convinced of his destiny to manage England.

Unluckily, 2016 has been as unkind to him as it has been to the British economy or many beloved celebrities.

His name is Alan Pardew. Noone is calling him Pardiola anymore.

A barely believable 5-4 loss to Swansea last week means palace are the latest side to be given the label of "premier league disaster team".

The defence is the issue. For some time the lack of a holding midfielder has been pointed to as a problem area. I'm not sure why Mile Jedinak was deemed surplus to requirements but the addition of Johan Cabaye that was meant to be seen as a turning point in the club's status has not gone so well.

Today they will go against a Southampton midfield three that after some early issues is living up to Les Reed's pre season boast of being one of the strongest corps in the league.

Pardew may well be out of a job by 5pm.

Predictions

Lawro: 2-0

I actually think the situation will bring a reaction out of the Eagles players. I am backing them to win, and I think they might keep a first clean sheet in 18 league games too.

Merse: 1-2

Defensively they are shocking. They've tried to attack, attack, attack and they've ended up being terrible at the back. The balance is all wrong. I can see it getting worse before it gets better. Away win.

Paul: 0-2

Two pretty unpredictable teams. I'm going with 2-0 Saints, but it could easily be 2-0 Palace

George: 0-2

I'm thinking a comfortable 2-0. Austin to score

Dan V: 0-2

We have picked up a little momentum in the last couple of games, with young players pushing for starts.

Allen: 0-1

Saints where we again squeak by, as the ability to score multiple goals is fairly inconstant.

Jake: 1-1

The games are starting to stack up on Saints. Unlucky 1-1 draw with Saints conceding late to Benteke.

Blaise: 1-1

One of those that we'll think "How didn't we win?" Up 1-0 early, get too comfortable, outdone by a Scott Dann header.

Will: 2-1

Last week I said we'd beat Koeman then lose to Palace so I'm sticking with that. This was before that Swansea game though, and the eagles do look very poor. If Ward-Prowse starts every set piece could result in a goal.