Predicted Crystal Palace Lineup To Face Southampton
Crystal Palace will embark on a trip to the South Coast as they will take on Southampton on Wednesday night in the Premier League.
It took a while, but the Eagles are finally going along smoothly under new boss Sam Allardyce and have notched up four wins on the trot, with their latest triumph coming against league leaders Chelsea when they beat the Blues 2-1 at the Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Palace are just 4 points clear of the relegation zone at 16th and would want to pull further away with a win against the Saints.
The last time the two sides met, Palace thrashed Claude Puel’s men 3-0 at the Selhurst Park and Allardyce will be hoping his team produce a similar performance on Wednesday as well.
Team News
Palace lost defenders James Tomkins and Scott Dann to a calf injury and knee injury respectively, against Chelsea on Saturday and both are very likely to miss the game against Southampton. Striker Frazier Campbell is close to a return, while James McArthur and Patrick van Aanholt are also nearing a return. However, Wednesday might be a little too soon for the trio. Mathieu Flamini has returned to training, whereas goalkeeper Steve Mandanda continues his rehabilitation from knee surgery. Connor Wickham and Papa Souare remain long-term absentees.
Probable Crystal Palace Starting XI:
Formation: 4-1-4-1
Manager: Sam Allardyce
Wayne Hennessey (GK)
He was the hero for the Eagles against Chelsea making several crucial stops. Will start the game without a doubt.
Joel Ward (RB)
At right-back, it will be the ever-present Joel Ward. The 27-year old provides steadiness and reliability at the back and will have an interesting battle on hands against Nathan Redmond.
Damien Delaney (CB)
With James Tomkins and Scott Dann both unavailable, the 35-year old veteran defender Damien Delaney will start at centre-back.
Mamadou Sakho (CB)
Alongside Delaney, it will be the loan signing Mamadou Sakho. The Frenchman has been an excellent addition since arriving in the winter window and has made an immediate impact. A certain starter.
Jeffrey Schlupp (LB)
At left-back, with Van Aanholt still out, it would mean Jeffrey Schlupp continuing in the playing XI. The former Leicester City man has given a decent account of himself in recent weeks and will start on Wednesday.
Luka Milivojevic (DM)
Shielding the defence will be January signing Luka Milivojevic. The 25-year old has been another excellent piece of business for Palace and looks at home in a defensive midfield role.
Wilfried Zaha (RM)
On the right-hand side of the midfield, we will continue to see the exciting Wilfried Zaha. The 24-year old winger scored the opener for Palace against Chelsea and will look to build on that display.
Yohan Cabaye (CM)
In the middle of the park, it will be Yohan Cabaye. The Frenchman will want to make the headlines with a strong performance on the pitch.
Jason Puncheon (CM)
Alongside Cabaye, it will be the ever-present Jason Puncheon. The 30-year old has just missed two games this season and has been one of the most consistent players for Palace this season. Will take the field on Wednesday.
Andros Townsend (LM)
And on the left-flank, it will be Andros Townsend. The Englishman will look to cause havoc down the left with his pace and trickery on the ball.
Christian Benteke (ST)
Leading the line will be the big, burly Christian Benteke. The Belgian international scored a lovely goal against Chelsea on Saturday and will look to add more to his tally.