Crystal Palace will be bidding to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they host Southampton at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
The Eagles have been fairly inconsistent this season, winning three and losing four of their 11 games so far. They are 13th in the table and lost 3-0 to Everton away last weekend, a performance Patrick Vieira would want to erase from his memory as quickly as possible.
Back at home, Vieira will expect an improved showing from his boys against Southampton, who head to south London off the back of a credible point against Arsenal.
Crystal Palace Team News
Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira can call upon midfielder Cheick Doucoure, who is back from suspension. Nathaniel Clyne and Chris Richards are both nearing a return to fitness but remain unavailable for Southampton’s visit to Selhurst Park.
James McArthur remains out with a groin problem despite returning to training, while Nathan Ferguson is set to build up his match fitness with the under-21s before coming back into first-team contention.
Predicted Crystal Palace Lineup vs Southampton (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Vicente Guaita will continue to operate in between the sticks for the Eagles, despite conceding three goals against Everton last time out.
Defence
In front of Guaita, Marc Guehi will feature alongside Joachim Andersen at the heart of the backline in the Crystal Palace lineup hoping to put forth a solid display.
Tyrick Mitchell will fulfil the left-back duties at the weekend whereas Joel Ward hopes to impress on the other flank as the right-back.
The Palace backline, along with goalkeeper Guaita, must step up their performance levels and try to keep a clean sheet at the weekend after the harrowing defeat to Everton.
Midfield
Cheick Doucoure should walk straight back into the Crystal Palace lineup after serving his one-game suspension. He will hold fort in midfield for the Eagles, allowing Jeffrey Schlupp and Eberechi Eze to go forward and create openings against the Southampton side.
Luka Milivojevic and Will Hughes will offer cover for the midfield spots as they hope to make an impact off the bench if called upon by Vieira.
Attack
Wilfried Zaha has been their standout performer once again and deserves to retain his place on the left flank in the Crystal Palace lineup.
Michail Olise will hope to enjoy a productive night off the right flank, with Odsonne Edouard likely to get the nod ahead of Jean-Philippe Mateta to lead the line.
The Eagles’ front three would be determined to find the back of the net when they play against the Southampton backline that has conceded nine goals in their last six league matches.
