Crystal Palace would host Southampton in the weekend, and they would be looking to go to the international break on a positive front after suffering two back to back defeats in the last two encounters. Their rivals, on the other hand, are also on the same boat as they have lost their previous two games and have picked up just one point so far in the season.
The Eagles would be going in as a favourite in this game, and they would also be boosted by the return of Aaron Wan-Bissaka who was suspended after he got a red card against Liverpool. It’s still early days, but Christian Benteke would have to pick his game up for Palace to score freely upfront as he has been guilty of messing up easy opportunities.
Wilfried Zaha will always be the crucial man for the Eagles, and a lot of creative and goal scoring onus would fall on his shoulders.
Team News
James Tomkins, Pape Souare and Scott Dann are all out of this clash because of their respective injuries. As mentioned, Wan-Bissaka is back after he served his suspension. Connor Wickham is a major doubt for this game.
Crystal Palace Predicted lineup Vs Southampton
Formation (4-4-1-1)
Defence
Wayne Hennessey will start in goal, and he will be expected to keep a clean sheet against a side who have struggled to find the back of the net. Fullback Martin Kelly will have to fill in the role of the centre back in the absence of James Tomkins. His partner would be Frenchman Mamadou Sakho. The former Liverpool duo would be up against a former Liverpool player Danny Ings as the striker is expected to lead the line for the Saints.
Patrick Van Aanholt would start down the left, and he will push forward at every opportunity. Same will be done by Wan Bissakka who has impressed everyone so far in the season with his searing pace and commitment.
Midfield
Max Meyer started his first game of the season midweek in the cup tie against Swansea City, and we expect him to start against Southampton as well. Luka Milivojevic will partner him, and he would be expected to do the cleaning up job in midfield.
Out wide on the right, Andros Townsend has been effective and we expect him to start after he was rested midweek. Jeffrey Schlupp played as a left-back against the Swans, but we expect him to start in a more advanced position in the left midfield.
Attack
Wilfried Zaha will be the main man for Roy Hodgson, and he will have a free role in the final third of the pitch. He is is going to play slightly down the left side but expect him to be all across the final third. Palace would be keen to get him more on the ball as he has looked unstoppable most of the times. Benteke will lead the line, and Hodgson would expect more quality from his ‘Big Belgian’ striker.
