Things are looking much better for Southampton right now after a slow start to their season. 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 have the momentum now with two wins in a row and will be looking to make it three on the bounce when they face Crystal Palace at the St. Mary’s Stadium this Wednesday in the third round of the English League Cup.
Crystal Palace are on the back of a solid 4-1 win against Stoke City and will be high on confidence. They had beaten Blackpool 2-0 in the previous round and are unbeaten in four games in all competitions. Alan Pardew’s boys are on seven points and sitting eighth now and we can expect a good game when they travel to the South Coast. Both sides are not likely to make too many changes to their squad as they both will target a long run in the domestic Cup.
Here is the predicted Southampton lineup versus Crystal Palace.
Defence
Alex McCarthy is likely to get his chance under the bar against his former club with Fraser Forster being rested. Cuco Martina is also likely to get his chance in the right-back position with Cedric Soares being rested. Jose Fonte will keep his place at the heart of the defence. Virgil van Dijk has played twice last week and might get rested for Maya Yoshida. Matt Targett will replace Ryan Bertrand in the left-back position.
Midfield
Oriol Romeu has been ever-present for the Saints this season and needs a rest but Southampton do not have that luxury as the Spaniard is the only defensive midfielder they have. Romeu will keep his place at the base of the midfield diamond. James Ward-Prowse is likely to get his chance in midfield.
Attack
Charlie Austin scored thrice last week and is a strong contender to start up front against Crystal Palace. Shane Long was once again wasteful against Swansea on Sunday and is likely to be benched in the midweek meaning that Jay Rodriguez will have a start up front.
