Crystal Palace have endured a typical Alan Pardew season with a topsy-turvy ride with the full quota of highs and lows but unfortunately for them, there has been a belated overdose of lows as a result of which they find themselves in the 17th spot, currently avoiding the relegation spots on goal difference.
Alan Pardew will be under immense pressure to get a favourable result against Southampton as his credentials as a manager has come under immense strain due to the latest ridiculous result against Swansea City. Losing a match in stoppage time after being 4-3 up in the 90th minute raises serious questions about his long-term future at the club.
They will be facing a Southampton side who have been impressive this season and have been extremely difficult to beat. The Saints are fresh off a 1-0 win over Everton and will be confident going into the fixture. Claude Puel has got his message across to the players and looking at their displays till now, a top half finish is very much on the cards.
As for Pardew, it is high time he rallies his troops as another loss will likely see him pack his belongings. The likes of Cabaye, Benteke, Townsend and Puncheon need to deliver and justify their wages and transfer fees.
PREDICTED CRYSTAL PALACE XI VS SOUTHAMPTON (4-2-3-1)
DEFENCE
Wayne Hennessey will be in goal and has to give his best in order to keep a clean sheet against the Saints. Martin Kelly will be at left-back with Joel Ward at right-back. The full-backs need to step-up and exert their influence in the opposition half as well. Scott Dann and James Tomkins will be the centre-back pairing and will look to snuff out any danger and nullify the threats of the likes of Long, Austin and Redmond.
MIDFIELD
Yohan Cabaye will be missing for what can turn out to be Pardew’s most important match in charge of Crystal Palace. In the double pivot, James McArthur is nailed on for a spot while Joe Ledley is likely to come in place of the former PSG midfielder. Jason Puncheon is most likely to take up the No.10 role and he will have to pull the strings to unlock the resilient and often impenetrable defence.
ATTACK
Wilfried Zaha is likely to be on the left-hand side with Andros Townsend recalled to the starting XI on the right wing. The duo have to step up in terms of their end-product and cut down on the inconsistency. Christian Benteke will be leading the line and will look to add to his 5 goals till now.
