U18 Preview: Crystal Palace vs Saints

THE MATCH
Crystal Palace vs Saints
U18s Premier League
Crystal Palace Training Ground
Saturday 12th August, 12:00pm

Southampton's Under-18s head into the new campaign with a new-look squad as 15 scholars joined the ranks over the summer, including 10 Academy products and five new faces arriving from other clubs.

The scholars will replace seven players who have moved up to the Under-21s after signing their first professional deals, as the next generation of Under-18s will be looking to build on last season's eighth place finish.

During pre-season, the squad had success on a trip to Italy with victories over Real Vicenza and Krka, as well as a valuable test in a defeat against Atalanta.

Meanwhile, back in England, a handful of eligible Under-18s also featured for the Under-21s during pre-season, with striker Princewill Ehibhatiomhan impressing with a brace against Torquay United.

Princewill Ehibhatiomhan in action for the Under-21s during pre-season (Photo: Chris Moorhouse)

Crystal Palace's Under-18s enjoyed a positive campaign in 2022/23, finishing third in the league behind Fulham and title-winners West Ham United.

A handful of last season's eligible players have also made the jump up to the Under-21s, with the likes of David Ozoh and Kaden Rodney featuring for the first team during pre-season after making their professional debuts for the Eagles last year.

PREVIOUS MEETING

In last season's trip to South London, Saints were narrowly beaten 3-2 in an end-to-end encounter that had five different goalscorers and a red card for both sides.

Saints' goals came from Brandon Charles and Ehibhatiomhan - then a trialist - but they weren't enough to take a point back to Hampshire.