The clash on Tuesday evening at St Mary’s will see Alderweireld’s return, overcoming his hamstring concerns that kept the centre-back out for an elongated seven weeks. More good news comes in the guise of no new injuries arising. However, the pivotal Jay Rodriguez’s knee keeps him out of the squad, joining Emmanuel Mayuka in the stands who is suffering with his groin.
Crystal Palace, however, also face niggles in trio Fraizer Campbell, Marouane Chamakh and Yaya Sanoga. Along with this, Jonathan Williams and Jerome Thomas won’t be featuring on the team sheet.
In terms of other ins and outs within the line-up, Koeman may take drastic measures, resting Pelle in his current below-par form whilst Shane Long may feel a certain amount of relief in this, an ideal opportunity to regain his place in the attack for Saints. The rapid retaliation required by the lads in a bounce-back bid for European football isn’t evident in the foremost striker who’s failed to produce in a goalless run of three games in which St Mary’s natives have only picked up a single point. Alan Pardew’s men are in a much different circumstance, attaining 12th spot should they triumph in this fixture and dependent on other matches going in their favour. Eljero Elia could also be recalled, providing options for our gaffer. Saints’ goal drought could lead Crystal Palace’s boss to set up less defensively as his opposite believes teams have been doing to overcome Southampton’s overwhelming goal threat, could this be the opening Koeman has been pining for to send his frontmen on a run?
These two sides have come face-to-face twice this season already, just what Santa ordered in December for Saints, 3-1 that ended up. It was the reverse case in the FA Cup but thankfully no league points were at stake, Palace edging it in a full-time scoreline of 3-2. The home side should still be favoured to grind out the result even if it is not done so in the prettiest manner but The Eagles latest managerial change has reinvigorated his outfits style of play and it might not be an easy a ride as the first time round. Winning their last outing should gibe the visitors a spring in their step, additionally.
