Palace’s adversaries on the south coast are one of the few sides with a similar points total to be in as strong a vein a form as the Eagles. In their last six matches, the Saints have collected 12 of a possible 18 points, with Palace notching 11 in the same span of time.
Most recently, Ralph Hasenhüttl’s men overcame fourth-place Chelsea with an impressive 2-0 victory on Boxing Day. On the same afternoon, of course, the south Londoners fought back to defeat West Ham - and the clubs’ relative form of late sees them sitting just five points apart, Southampton having been stuck in the relegation zone prior to this burst.
Also prior to recent results, Southampton’s home form was a cause for serious concern. But the Saints have picked up double the points from their last three matches at St Mary’s than they managed in the eight before.
Palace will be confident in their abilities to nullify Southampton’s threat, however. Currently enjoying their second-highest points tally for halfway through any Premier League season, the Eagles have enjoyed consistent success this campaign and are unbeaten on the road in their last two meetings with the Saints.
Furthermore, Southampton are without a home league clean sheet in 14 games stretching back to February and are averaging just over two goals per game conceded.
Palace frontman Jordan Ayew, who Roy Hodgson has described as “confident” and “vital”, will therefore be alert for this game. The Ghanaian striker has scored five league goals this season, directly contributing to the collection of nine points. Only two players have ever had more valuable goals in a single Premier League campaign for the Eagles (Andrew Johnson’s 15 in 2004/05 and Christian Benteke’s 12 in 2016/17).
Did you know?
Southampton haven’t won their last league game in a calendar year since 2010 (4-1 v Huddersfield Town in League One), drawing three and losing five since. Their last such victory as a Premier League side was back in 2002 (2-1 v Sunderland).
Palace haven’t won their last league game in a calendar year since 2011 (1-0 v Millwall in the Championship), drawing five and losing two since. Their only such victory in the Premier League was in 1992 (1-0 v Middlesbrough).
SEE ALSO: 6 facts you didn't know about Southampton in the Premier League
Team news
The Eagles were dealt another injury blow against West Ham on Boxing Day, with Benteke sidelined for “the next few weeks,” according to Hodgson. Patrick van Aanholt left the pitch injured, though Hodgson could only say the club hopes he isn’t suffering a long-term issue.
Cheikhou Kouyate revealed he has been experiencing some pain in his groin but that he will “keep going.”
These new concerns are in addition to Gary Cahill, Joel Ward, Scott Dann, Jeffrey Schlupp and Andros Townsend’s absence.
Southampton are relatively fortunate on the injury front after a packed festive schedule, though they are without defender Yan Valery (unwell), midfielder Moussa Djenepo (hamstring) and Shane Long is a potential absentee (knee).
Hasenhüttl has stated that he will not start Michael Obafemi, who netted an incredible goal against Chelsea.
Tactical overview
The Eagles will have to be careful at set pieces, with Southampton scoring 35% of their goals this season from dead balls.
They are strongest along their left side, where Nathan Redmond and Ryan Bertrand tend to push forward from: 41% of attacks and 19% of shots come from this wing compared with 35% and 12% on the right.
In recent weeks, Danny Ings has been the man benefitting from both flanks. The forward has scored seven goals from his last eight appearances and so Palace will be wise to keep an eye on the sharp-shooting frontman, described by Hodgson as a “natural goalscorer.”
How to follow
Palace Audio
Palace supporters all over the world can listen to live audio commentary of every Palace fixture in the 2019/20 season for as little as £1 per game on the official club app, mobile internet or on desktop.
Fans can buy a Monthly Pass (which auto-renews) at £4.49 per month or a 24-Hour Pass (for a single matchday) for £1.49, by clicking here.
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Social media
You can check out our Instagram story for eye-catching footage of all of the pre-match build-up and our official Twitter page will be bringing you up-to-the-minute match updates, stunning photos and more.
The official app
The official Palace app’s match centre is the place to be for everything you need during the Southampton clash. With live stats and alerts, a running match commentary feed and lineups the moment they’re released as well as all an instant match report and post-match reaction from Palace TV, there’s no need to leave the app to follow the Eagles’ efforts.
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International fans
For fans following from abroad, have a look at our Worldwide TV Listings here. And if you're wondering where the nearest official fan club is to you, you can click here to find out.
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