Crystal Palace, after a poor start to their season, have picked up their game and are currently on a four-game unbeaten run. The Eagles thrashed Mark Hughes’ Stoke City 4-1 on Sunday adding more woes to the Potters. They had beaten Blackpool by two goals in the previous round and will be keen to have a long run in the League Cup. It will be an all-Premier League classic in the third round of the League Cup when they travel to St. Mary’s on Wednesday to face Southampton.
The Saints started life under their new boss Claude Puel in a rather slow manner but were able to win their first game of the season by thrashing Czech Republican giants Sparta Prague 3-0 last week in the Europa League. A 1-0 win against Swansea City on Sunday thanks to a late goal from Charlie Austin off the bench will definitely set the mood at St. Mary’s and Saints will be keen to make it three in a row.
Two Premier League sides in a good run of form taking on each other in the third round of the League Cup, this game could be a pretty competitive one. Here is the predicted Crystal Palace lineup against Southampton.
Defence
Wayne Hennessey could get his chance between the sticks against Southampton. Damien Delaney could also get a chance to prove himself in the League Cup. James Tomkins is likely to be benched as Scott Dann is more of an instrumental figure for the Crystal Palace side at the back. Joel Ward will keep his place at right-back. Pape Souare is out with a long-term injury after his unfortunate road accident. Martin Kelly is likely to take Souare’s place in the left-back position. Zeki Fryers could be an alternate option for Pardew, though.
Midfield
Mathieu Flamini is likely to start at the base of a midfield trio, pushing James McArthur to the bench. Joe Ledley should keep his place in midfield. Yohan Cabaye has struggled with injuries so far this season and the Frenchman is unlikely to be risked to the starting XI. Jason Puncheon will, therefore, keep his place in midfield.
Attack
Both Andros Townsend and Wilfred Zaha are in an amazing form right now regularly being involved in scoring and creating. The two fleet-footed wide players will start on the flanks. Christian Benteke will keep his place up front with ease as Loic Remy is out injured and Wickham struggling for form.
