We’re just days away from an exciting U21 Premier League 2 showdown as Crystal Palace U21 host Southampton U21 on 12 May 2025. The match kicks off at 19:00 BST (20:00 CEST, 14:00 EDT) at Selhurst Park, offering fans across Europe and beyond a prime evening fixture to look forward to.
Both sets of young talents will be eager to make their mark before the end of the season. Whether you’re watching from the UK, Germany, Spain or further afield, be sure to tune in early and catch all the pre-match build-up as these two academies battle for vital points in the Division One table.
How are both teams coming into this?
Crystal Palace U21 have shown flashes of brilliance during the second half of the campaign. With three wins in their last five, they’ve climbed into mid-table contention and boast an attacking setup that creates chances from wide areas. Key striker Josh Akoto has netted five goals since March, and midfield dynamo Marcus Whittaker has been instrumental in breaking up opposition play.
Southampton U21 arrive in solid form as well, having lost just once in their last six outings. Their disciplined defensive unit, marshaled by centre-back Ethan Armstrong, has kept four clean sheets over that period. Upfront, pace merchant Liam Johnson has been a constant threat on the break, contributing three goals and two assists in recent matches.
Our forecast
This fixture promises to be a tight, tactical affair. Both teams favour quick transitions and rely on direct play from midfield, so we anticipate end-to-end action. Given their recent scoring records, a both teams to score bet looks appealing, with each side likely to find the net at least once.
Additionally, considering the attacking talents on show and the tendency for these U21 sides to press high, there’s a strong case for an over 2.5 goals selection. Expect a lively contest that could see three or more goals, with Palace perhaps edging it on home turf by a narrow margin.
Crystal Palace U21 are likely to field a 4-3-3 system, with goalkeeper Alex Moreno between the sticks. The back four could see Brandon Smith and Callum Brown at full-back, flanked by centre-backs Ethan Davies and Lucas Grant. In midfield, Whittaker will sit deep alongside Harvey Lewis and Jamie Clarke, supplying support to a front three of Akoto, Omar Hassan and Tyler Reed.
Southampton U21 may opt for a more conservative 4-2-3-1. Armstrong and newcomer Jordan Piper are probable starters at centre-back, while wing-backs Nathan Cole and Rashid Ahmed provide width. In front of them, Luke Turner and Ben Colliers will anchor the midfield, with Johnson, Sam Patel and Marcus Ryan playing just behind lone striker Owen Farrell.
