Southampton's final match of the campaign after another impressive Premier League season is a home affair against FA Cup finalists Crystal Palace.
The visitors have little to play for and will likely be focusing all of their energy on next weekend's Wembley showpiece against Manchester United.
Southampton
© Getty ImagesIt has been some second half of the season for Southampton, who could end it as high as fifth if results go their way.
Ronald Koeman's side are currently seventh and their goal difference is better than fifth-placed Manchester United, three points above them, thanks to a storming run of form, especially of late.
In their last 17 matches – all in the league – the Saints have won 11 and and lost just three to catapult themselves up into European contention.
They have won their last three in a row and victory again on Sunday would be the first time this season that they have reeled off four on the trot.
Having now matched last season's record Premier League points haul of 60, Koeman has been linked with the now-vacant Everton job but he insists that he is happy at Southampton and not concerned that he only has a year left on his contract.
Koeman may not have signed a new deal yet, but more players are committing their futures to the club, with Fraser Forster and James Ward-Prowse becoming the latest two earlier this week.
The last two wins for Southampton have been especially impressive against top-four sides Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, and the star-man of late has been Dusan Tadic.
The winger struggled to keep his place early on in the campaign but has been involved in eight goals in his last four Premier League appearances, scoring two and assisting six.
Southampton have lost just one of their final-day Premier League games on home soil (W4 D4 L1).
Recent form: LWDWWW
Palace
© Getty ImagesThe Eagles have slumped dramatically in the second half of the Premier League season, but their safety is secured and it could all end on a massive high if they beat Man United at Wembley next Saturday.
They have done well in the cup and will fancy their chances against the Red Devils, but they must forget about some poor results in recent months in the league.
Palace were pushing for a European finish at Christmas, but then went on a 14-match winless streak to plunge down into the bottom half and near the relegation scrap.
Alan Pardew's side have turned it around somewhat of late, though, and last weekend reached 42 points and 14th place with a 2-1 win at home against Stoke City.
After that win, Pardew said that he does expect to sign a new contract in South London.
Away from Selhurst Park, the Eagles have won none of their last 10 Premier League games and they have also failed to win any of their last four final-day top-flight matches on the road.
Recent Premier League form: WDDLLW
Recent form (all competitions): DDLWLW
Team News
© AFPSouthampton have no new injury problems ahead of the visit of Palace, but Sadio Mane, who missed the win over Tottenham with illness, has recovered and could be included in the squad.
Jordy Clasie remains sidelined with a groin problem, while Florin Gardos is yet to get back to full match fitness.
Palace manager Pardew is likely to rest some players ahead of the cup final.
Joe Ledley is out after fracturing his leg against Stoke last weekend, while Yohan Cabaye and Wilfried Zaha are nursing minor injuries.
Julian Speroni is likely to play in goal if Wayne Hennessey sits out, and if he does he would equal Palace's club-record appearances for a goalkeeper.
Southampton possible starting lineup:
Forster; Cedric, Van Dijk, Fonte, Bertrand; Romeu, Wanyama; Mane, Davis, Tadic; Long
Palace possible starting lineup:
Speroni; Kelly, Mariappa, Delaney, Souare; Lee, McArthur, Mutch, Sako; Gayle, Adebayor
Head To Head
Palace earned their first Premier League win over Southampton at the 13th attempt in the reverse fixture in December and then knocked them out in the FA Cup third round a month later.
Only West Ham (15) have scored more headed goals this season in the top-flight than Southampton (14), while Palace have scored the highest percentage of goals from set pieces in the Premier League (47%).
We say: Southampton 3-0 Palace
With the Saints on a roll and Palace resting players for the cup final, an easy home win should be on the cards.
