Predicted Southampton XI to face Crystal Palace in the Premier League
Southampton currently find themselves in a troublesome 15th place with just 22 points on board. They are up against a 14th-placed Crystal Palace team, which makes this a crucial game for both sides.
This means that they are just 3 points away from the drop zone and every fixture now has the potential to change the fate of their entire Premier League season.
Southampton are on the back of a motivating 2-1 home win against a strong Everton side so expect a tight fixture with no shortage of attacking opportunities.
Team News
Irish striker Michael Obafemi is still recovering from a hamstring injury and is expected to return to full training only next week. Maya Yoshida is away on national duty with his country Japan, participating in the AFC Asian Cup.
Matt Targett has been a long-term absentee. Also, Mario Lemina is back in training and could feature but he is expected to make his appearance off the bench.
Probable Southampton XI
Formation: 5-2-3
Manager: Ralph Hasenhuttl
GK – Alex McCarthy
Has established himself as the first-choice over the past couple of seasons. Has been quite good in Southampton colours and has managed to keep them in some crucial games with key saves.
RWB – Yan Valery
His attacking runs and crosses will be crucial to Hasenhuttl’s men breaking this challenging Palace team down. He is expected to start on the righ flank.
RCB – Jan Bednarek
A good player as he has proven to be over the last few months, Bednarek has been in decent form in the last couple of games, meaning he could well start this one.
CB – Jack Stephens
The main defender in the squad, he is the leader who controls all the defensive movement. Has been fairly consistent so far this campaign and is expected to start.
LCB – Jannik Vestergaard
This Danish giant has been decent for Hasenhuttl’s men all campaign and is in the line-up at the expense of Japanese international Maya Yoshida.
LWB – Ryan Bertrand
Considering that Targett is still recovering, expect the former Champions League winner to start against Palace in midweek.
RCM – Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
The former Bayern Munich prospect has been a revelation for the Saints this season and his signature is going to be in high demand come the end of the season.
LCM – Oriol Romeu
The former Chelsea man has developed into a key midfielder for Hasenhuttl, who has utilised his ability to act as the link between the defence and the attack very effectively.
RAM – Nathan Redmond
The pacy winger is a threat against any opposition with sluggish defenders. His sudden acceleration and change of pace are deadly and will be crucial against a solid Palace side.
LAM – Stuart Armstrong
Has looked an excellent player this season and has even managed 3 goals. His movement and sharp passing have helped Ings settle into the starting role.
Read More: Though unpopular, Crystal Palace’s deal for 30-year-old attacker could actually pay off
CF – Danny Ings
The Saints’ top scorer so far this season with 7 goals to his name, he is expected to continue in the starting line-up.
