Southampton have the worst record of any current Premier League sides on the opening weekend in the top-flight, an unwarranted record they'll look to rectify this weekend.

Facing off against Roy Hodgson's Crystal Palace is a great opportunity to change their fortunes having beaten the Eagles on their last three trips to South London.

Should Ralph Hasenhuttl's side emerge victorious it will be the first time Southampton have come away with the inaugural points since 2013, when a last-minute Rickie Lambert penalty was enough to take three points off West Brom.

Saints certainly have form on their side after concluding last season as the most in-form in the division with Hasenhuttl even scooping manager of the month in the games post lockdown.

Previous opening weekends

Three points this weekend would certainly better the 3-0 loss they suffered on an opening day last season against Burnley where a second-half brace from Ashley Barnes and the 75th strike from Jóhann Guðmundsson sunk the South Coast side to defeat at Turf Moor.

The Clarets had also been their opening day opponents the season before in 2018 where the sides saw out a 'bore-draw' 0-0 stalemate, which was also the final score against Swansea for the first game in the 2017/18 season - both home games.

A draw was also the result in 2016 as a Nathan Redmond strike in the second half canceled out Étienne Capoue's early goal at St.Marys.

The opening day of the 2015/16 season wasn't too much better, but a good result nonetheless, as Saints drew 2-2 away to Newcastle with goals from Papiss Cissé and Georginio Wijnaldum for the Magpies,  while Shane Long and Graziano Pellè both scored headers for Southampton.

Worst record in the Premier League

Those results combined with 21 opening day matches Southampton have played in the Premier League mean they have a 0.76 points-per-game ratio for the opening weekend - the worst in the top flight.

However, Southampton can take solace in facing Crystal Palace this Saturday as they have only won three of their opening Premier League matches themselves.

And, as previously mentioned, Southampton have triumphed on their last three visits to Selhurst Park and have also beaten them in 13 of their 22 Premier League outings against each other.

The Premier League kicks off this weekend with Southampton facing Crystal Palace at 3 pm this Saturday which Vavel will provide regular updates for.

 

 

 

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