Crystal Palace are on cloud nine currently with Sam Allardyce’s men winning four games on the trot for the first time this season. They also have conceded just one goal in the last five games which will give them huge confidence going into tomorrow’s away fixture against Southampton. The Saints are in a bit of a rut at the moment with Claude Puel’s men winning just two of their last eight Premier League games.
Palace have a few injury concerns with Patrick van Aanholt and Mathieu Flamini doubtful for the game. Papa Souare and Connor Wickham are the long-term absentees for Palace. Saints won’t have the services of Virgil van Dijk and Manolo Gabbiadini for the tomorrow’s encounter. On that note, let’s take a look at the predicted Crystal Palace lineup for the clash against Southampton.
Goalkeeper
Wayne Hennessey has been sensational for the Eagles this season and will look to keep yet another clean sheet. He will be up against the likes of Shane Long and Nathan Redmond – which won’t be an easy task at any cost.
Defence
With Van Aanholt out of contention, Jeffrey Schlupp will be deployed in the left back role while Joel Ward is expected to start as the right back on the night. Mamadou Sakho has been brilliant since his loan move to Selhurst Park and will partner Damien Delaney as the two central defenders at St. Mary’s. Scott Dann came on in the last game but suffered a horrible injury which could potentially rule him out of the season. He’ll be a big miss. Martin Kelly will be on the bench as defensive cover.
Midfield
Luka Milivojevic will accompany Yohan Cabaye in the centre of the park as the pair has been highly successful for the Eagles in recent months. Jason Puncheon will play in the hole behind the striker in a number 10 position, and his job would be to find spaces behind the Southampton back line that kept a clean sheet in their last game.
Andros Townsend will be on the right wing looking to drift inside and create the damage whereas Wilfred Zaha, fresh from his exploits against Chelsea, will look to continue wreaking havoc from the left flank. Joe Ledley and Bakary Sako will be available as attacking options from the bench.
Attack
The sole striker’s role will be filled in by Christian Benteke who scored a delightful lob in the last match against Chelsea. Without Van Dijk, an in-form Benteke will be relishing the challenge against the Saints’ defence.
