Saints predicted team as Juric takes charge of first away game at Palace

MANAGER Ivan Juric admitted he plans to make changes ahead of Southampton's trip to fellow bottom-five side Crystal Palace. The Croatian insisted his team needs to be fully fit in order to implement his "high-press" style in a short space of time. He will likely lean on a largely similar team but two or three players could be handed a chance to impress the new boss.

Here's how we predict Southampton will lineup at Selhurst Park...



Saints suffered a 1-0 defeat to West Ham on Boxing Day. (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA) Goalkeeper No surprises here. Aaron Ramsdale makes our predicted team at Crystal Palace.

The England international should start every game he is fit for. Southampton's Aaron Ramsdale is currently playing with a modified four-finger glove. (Image: Stuart Martin) Defenders Saints will likely stick with the same back three of Taylor Harwood-Bellis , Jan Bednarek and Nathan Wood at Palace with Jack Stephens currently out injured.

Kyle Walker-Peters was excellent against West Ham and should keep his place down the left. James Bree replaced Yukinari Sugawara on Boxing Day and could play from the start. Southampton's Taylor Harwood-Bellis against West Ham.

(Image: Stuart Martin) Midfielders Loanee Lesley Ugochukwu has turned his Saints career around in the space of a week and should keep his starting spot. Flynn Downes will partner him. Summer signing Mateus Fernandes created the most chances on Thursday and that will keep him ahead of Tyler Dibling.

Southampton's Mateus Fernandes against West Ham. (Image: Stuart Martin) Forwards Paul Onuachu allows Southampton to be more pragmatic and could finally break his duck in red and white on Sunday. Adam Armstrong was preferred over Cameron Archer last time out but Juric made repeated mentions of the latter, who should start at Palace.

Paul Onuachu came close to his first Saints goal against West Ham. (Image: Stuart Martin) Full predicted team: (3-4-1-2): Ramsdale; Bree, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Wood, Walker-Peters; Downes, Ugochukwu, Fernandes; Archer, Onuachu..