After a draw against Burnley on the opening weekend of the Premier League, Southampton lost two back to back games against Everton and Leicester. They did, however, manage to pull off a morale-boosting win against Brighton in the League Cup as a solitary goal from Charlie Austin, just minutes from the final whistle, was enough for the Saints to knock the Seagulls out.
Crystal Palace, on the other hand, have lost to Liverpool and Watford in the last two league games but beat Swansea City in the League Cup tie earlier this week.
Playing at home, Palace will look to get back to winning ways in the domestic league as well. The Saints will have to be at their best to take anything from this game.
Southampton – Team News
In early team news, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is the only first-team star who will miss the clash. He saw a red in the game against Leicester City and remains suspended for the tie.
Expected Southampton lineup (4-4-2)
Defence
With 14 saves already this season, Alex McCarthy has been effective in goal and should keep his place under the bar this weekend.
With 2 tackles, 2.5 interceptions and 5 clearances per game, Jack Stephens has been impressive for Southampton and will face the challenge of Christian Benteke this weekend. Wesley Hoedt is likely to pair up with Stephens.
Ryan Bertrand has a goal and 1.7 key passes per game already this season. He will crucial for the Saints with his ability to create chances from the left. The former Chelsea fullback should start at left-back. Cedric Soares will have to deal with the threat of Wilfried Zaha as he’ll start as the right-back.
Midfield
With Hojbjerg out suspended, Mario Lemina and Oriol Romeu are expected to start in the double pivot in front of the defence. Lemina will play a more box to box role as compared to Romeu who will sit in front of the defence.
Nathan Redmond is yet to open his account but he has close to a key pass per game and has to provide that spark in the attacking third. He should start on the left side of the midfield. James Ward-Prowse, who was one of the best players for the side against Everton against Brighton on Tuesday, could start on the right flank.
Attack
With a goal and two key passes per game, Danny Ings has had a pretty good start at his new club and needs to carry on the momentum. Charlie Austin, who came off the bench to score the winner against the Seagulls in the League Cup tie, is expected to partner Ings, adding a different dimension to the Southampton attack.
Here is how they might line up:
Stat Credit: Whoscored.com
