After a victory over Fulham on the opening weekend, Crystal Palace lost back to back league games to Liverpool and Watford. The Eagles were back to winning ways earlier this week as they beat Championship side Swansea City in the League Cup. Roy Hodgson will hope that his side can use that winning momentum against Southampton in the league this weekend.
The Saints beat Brighton in the League Cup on Tuesday but are yet to win a game this season.
Crystal Palace – Team News
In early team news, the Eagles are still without the services of James Tomkins, Pape Souare and Scott Dann, all being long-term absentees. Connor Wickham is recovering from his calf injury but is not expected to play a role this weekend. He remains the only other player missing from the squad this weekend for Hodgson. Aaron Wan-Bissaka has served his suspension and is up for selection.
Expected Crystal Palace lineup (4-4-2)
Defence
Wayne Hennessey has 4.3 saves per game already this season and has been impressive in goal. Wan-Bissaka was exceptional for Palace in the first two games and should be back at right-back while Patrick van Aanholt, who has an assist and a passing accuracy of 82%, should keep his place on the left.
Mamadou Sakho has 5.3 clearances, 1.3 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game and also has a passing accuracy of 95%. He will act as the senior defender in the backline, with Martin Kelly as the only other option for Hodgson at centre-back for this game. They will have a tough time to keep the likes of Danny Ings and Charlie Austin quiet this weekend.
Midfield
Luka Milivojevic has 2.3 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game and deserves to keep his place at the heart of the midfield. James McArthur, who has a passing accuracy of 83%, will partner Milivojevic in the midfield for Palace.
Andros Townsend is yet to register a goal or an assist this season but he averages a key pass and a chance created every game and should provide width to the midfield on the right flank.
Jeffery Schlupp, who has an assist and a key pass to his name this season, will add some stability to the midfield on the left flank.
Attack
Wilfried Zaha has been Palace’s best player by a mile this season, registering two goals already. He has also created six chances this season and will be the danger man for the Southampton backline.
Belgian striker Christian Benteke, who wins 7.7 aerial duels per game, the most for the club, will be a real danger for the likes of Wesley Hoedt and Jack Stephens this weekend.
Here is how they might line up:
Stat Credit: Whoscored.com
