Predicted Southampton Line-Up To Face Crystal Palace In The Premier League
Southampton will travel to Croydon over the weekend as they gear up to take on Crystal Palace in match-week 5 of the Premier League, at the Selhurst Park, on Saturday.
Things haven’t gotten off to a great start for the Saints under new boss Mauricio Pellegrino, as they find themselves at 13th place in the league table, with just 5 points from 4 outings (1W, 2D, 1L). In their last game, the South Coast club were handed a 2-0 defeat by Watford FC at the St. Mary’s and the manager will be keen on getting back to winning ways.
Team News
There are no injury concerns for Pellegrino, with the only issue being Virgil van Dijk, who will be assessed close to the game, to see whether his fitness levels are up to the mark for participating in the game.
Here’s how the Saints could take the field against the Eagles on Saturday:
Manager: Mauricio Pellegrino
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Fraser Forster (GK)
The England international is the undisputed No.1 at Southampton ahead of Alex McCarthy and will keep his place between the sticks.
Cedric Soares (RB)
The Portuguese right-back is another constant fixture in the starting XI for the Saints week in week out and that is unlikely to change.
Jack Stephens (CB)
The young centre-back has given a good account of himself in the prolonged absence of Virgil van Dijk and should keep his place in the line-up.
Wesley Hoedt (CB)
The summer arrival made his debut last week and had a good game, despite the result. Should start again, with Maya Yoshida benched.
Ryan Bertrand (LB)
Offers an added dimension going forward from left-back and remains Pellegrino’s best option ahead of the young Sam McQueen.
Mario Lemina (DM)
The summer arrival from Juventus was benched in the defeat against Watford, but could be in line for a return to the starting setup.
Oriol Romeu (DM)
One of the first few names on the teamsheet for the Saints, Romeu is highly underrated and should hold on to his place in the middle of the park, despite an uncharacteristic display last weekend.
Dusan Tadic (RW)
A surprise exclusion last week, the Serbian attacker should be reinstated to the starting XI on the right flank, with Sofiane Boufal dropping out.
Steven Davis (CAM)
After a disappointing display in a holding role last week, the club captain is likely to be handed a start in an advanced role against Palace.
Nathan Redmond (LW)
The 23-year old is yet to open his goal-scoring account for the season and he would want to correct that against a struggling Palace side.
Manolo Gabbiadini (ST)
The Italian has cut a frustrated figure at the top of the attack, having failed to score in the last two games. Him finding form will be key for the Saints going forward in the season.