Southampton vs. Crystal Palace: Opposition threat

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) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 31: Christian Benteke of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Selhurst Park on December 31, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Christian Benteke

The Belgian striker has had a seasoned career in the Premier League so far, scoring 68 goals – as well as becoming a fixture in Belgium’s golden generation. This season, however, Benteke has scored just one goal in 15 Premier League appearances – and is starting to draw criticism for his poor performances.

Much like with Romelu Lukaku, Benteke’s Belgian accomplice, the former-Liverpool man poses a huge threat in the box when quality balls are delivered. Palace have no shortage of players who can cross, with their lineup likely to include Townsend, Zaha, van Aanholt and Ward.

Wesley Hoedt is rumoured to be injured for Tuesday’s game, so Southampton will have to rely on Jack Stephens and Maya Yoshida to defend Alex McCarthy’s goal. If Hoedt does indeed miss the game, Benteke could definitely exploit the lack of an aerial presence at the heart of the defence.