Southampton vs. Crystal Palace: Opposition threat

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LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 28: Andros Townsend of Crystal Palace (C) celebrates as he scores their first and equalising goal with team mates Wilfried Zaha and Jeffrey Schlupp during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park on December 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /

Southampton play fellow strugglers Crystal Palace on Tuesday at St. Mary’s Stadium, with both sides in desperate need of a win which would lift them out of danger at the foot of the Premier League.

Although Southampton produced an encouraging performance at Old Trafford last Saturday, the need for points is growing and with teams around the Saints (Newcastle, Bournemouth, Swansea) beginning to pick up points, a win on Tuesday will put fans’ relegation fears on the back-burner and start 2018 brilliantly.

The transfer window has officially swung open, and Southampton are looking to dip their toes into the often treacherous January waters, and with teams knowing Mauricio Pellegrino will have money to spend – they could be held at ransom when targeting reinforcements.

Crystal Palace have lost just one of their last ten games – a 3-2 loss to Arsenal – with manager Roy Hodgson impressing at the helm of the Croydon club. Southampton, on the other hand, have won just one of their last ten, a 4-1 win against a woeful Everton.

In this article, I will be identifying the three players who are most likely to cause The Saints problems.