Southampton did start their season in a rather slow manner but things are looking much better now for the Saints. Thanks to Charlie Austin’s late winner against Swansea on Sunday, the Saints managed to get their first win in the Premier League this season. Claude Puel’s boys destroyed Czech Republican side Sparta Prague 3-0 last Thursday in the Europa League before that and will be looking to make it three in a row when the Saints face Crystal Palace on Wednesday in the third round of the English League Cup at the St. Mary’s Stadium.
On the other hand, Crystal Palace are unbeaten in their last four outings in all competitions. They absolutely demolished Mark Hughes’ Stoke City 4-1 in the weekend and will travel to the South Coast with plenty of confidence. With both sides in a decent form and looking to build a solid momentum, this all-Premier League encounter can prove to be the headliner of the midweek.
Here are three key battles those could decide the game.
Oriol Romeu Vs Joe Ledley
Former Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu finds himself a key part in Claude Puel’s system and we expect the Spaniard to keep his place at the base of the midfield diamond against Crystal Palace. The 24-year-old sets the foundation of the team by sitting deep in front of the back four and laying off passes towards his teammates as well as breaking opponents’ game. With an average of 1.2 aerial duels won and a total of 8.6 defensive actions every game and 89.5% passing accuracy, Romeu holds the key to Southampton’s success. The Spaniard will face a tough battle against Crystal Palace’s Welsh midfielder Joe Ledley who is enjoying a good run of form of late. With his 89.4% passing success and his natural instinct to drive forward, Ledley will be looking to trouble the Saints and the outcome of the game will depend on the fact that Romeu is capable of nullifying the Welshman or not.
Charlie Austin Vs Scott Dann
Austin has scored three goals in his last two games now after coming on off the bench and scoring the winner against Swansea on Sunday. The Englishman has made a strong bid for a starting role against Crystal Palace on Wednesday and a good display from him can see him make a place of his own up front. However, With Scott Dann, one of the best defenders in the League, leading Crystal Palace defence, the job will be an uphill one for Austin.
Christian Benteke Vs Jose Fonte
What do expect from your club record signing? A strong immediate impact, right? Christian Benteke has done exactly that at Selhurst Park since joining the Eagles this summer from Liverpool. The Belgian’s average Whoscored rating this season has been 7.40 which sums up his impact even though he has just scored once in four games. With as many as 8 aerial balls won every game, Benteke gives Palace a whole new dimension in attack. The Belgian will face a tricky battle though this time as he lines up against experienced Jose Fonte.
