An impressive display from the Eagles proved too much to too handle for a lack luster West Ham side who gifted Palace a vital three points.
It was a win for Pardew’s side after Glenn Murray quickly went from hero to zero after scoring two goals and then finding himself sent off for two bookable offences. Scott Dann’s header in between Murray’s brace capped off an impressive performance from the visitors.
Pardew now turns his attention to another former club as Palace travel to St. Mary’s for the second time this season. A 3-2 victory in the FA Cup was not that long ago and Palace must look to replicate their heroics and take another step to securing Premier League survival.
Southampton fell to a disappointing loss at the hands of West Bromwich Albion and will want to bounce back to keep their hopes of securing Champions League football alive. They has lost ground on the top four after wins for Arsenal and Liverpool saw them drop to sixth whereas Palace climbed a place to twelfth.
Team News
Southampton
Southampton are without striker Emmanuel Mayuka (groin) and long term absentee Jay Rodriguez (knee). Belgian defender Toby Alderweireld is Ronald Koeman’s only other casualty.
Crystal Palace
Mile Jedinak is expected to face an FA charge for his elbow on Diafra Sakho that went unpunished on Saturday. Jordon Mutch limped off after half an hour and is a doubt. Marouane Chamakh and Frazier Campbell (both hamstring) are missing. Yaya Sanogo is also likely to miss as will Glenn Murray through suspension.
Form Guide
Palace have won five out of five on the road under Alan Pardew and will look to extend that to six when they visit St. Mary’s again. With only two losses in the last eight games, Palace are in good form. In contrast, Southampton have struggled lately losing three out of their last six games and will need to buck that trend if they are intent on playing in Europe next season.
In games between these two sides, Southampton have the better of it. From the last six meetings the Saints have managed five wins with the only win for Palace in the FA Cup last month. The last two league games on the South Coast ended in 2-0 wins for the hosts.
One To Watch
Dusan Tadic
Attacking Midfielder. Age 26. Appearances 21. Goals 3. Assists 7. Average Rating 7.06.
The Serbian midfielder has been a key figurehead in the Southampton midfield this season and another player that has excelled in his debut season in the Premier League. He has appeared 21 times this season and although he only has three goals to his name he has managed seven assists, proving that he is the one to watch.
Predictions
Southampton have continued to surprise everyone for the second season in succession. Their name looks rather odd at the top end of the table, no disrespect intended. They are there on merit and have a real chance of qualifying for European competition for next season. Should they manage to do so it will be a real breath of fresh air to see one of the un-fancied teams breaking the monotony of the usual suspects.
- EPL Index prediction – draw
- Sky Sports Pundit Paul Merson’s prediction – draw
- Who Scored prediction – home win
- My prediction – away win
- Paddy Power odds – home 3/4 – draw 13/5 – away 4/1
