Southampton's Historic Battle: Juric Vows to Overcome Premier League Stigma

Southampton manager Ivan Juric has issued a rallying cry to his squad, demanding they prove they are not destined to be remembered as "the worst team in Premier League history". The Saints sit rock-bottom of the table with just 9 points from 29 matches, trailing safety by 17 points. Their current form threatens to eclipse Derby County’s infamous 2007-08 record of 11 points, the lowest tally in the league’s history.

The Mission to Avoid Infamy

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s fixture against in-form Crystal Palace, Juric emphasized the importance of motivation and fighting spirit:

"The team has to compete and give everything. I refuse to accept the label of being the worst side in Premier League history. Our target now is to climb off the bottom—it’s within our grasp if we perform."

Southampton’s recent form has been dismal—five straight league defeats, including heavy losses to relegation rivals. Meanwhile, Palace, under Oliver Glasner, are riding high with four wins in their last five Premier League games and a commanding 3-0 FA Cup victory over Fulham.

Injury Concerns Ahead of Crucial Fixture

• Will Smallbone (midfielder) will miss the match due to a groin injury.
• Jan Bednarek and Taylor Harwood-Bellis (defenders) are expected to feature despite knocks sustained on international duty.

Can Southampton Spark a Revival?

With Palace boasting five consecutive wins across all competitions, Southampton face a monumental challenge. Yet Juric remains defiant:

"We are in decent shape physically. If we play with belief, we can shock people."

The match could define Southampton’s season—and their legacy.