Southampton vs Crystal Palace: Premier League – Opposition Threats

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 14: Andros Townsend of Crystal Palace celebrates his sides victory with teammate Wilfried Zaha after the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Brighton and Hove Albion at Selhurst Park on April 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 14: Andros Townsend of Crystal Palace celebrates his sides victory with teammate Wilfried Zaha after the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Brighton and Hove Albion at Selhurst Park on April 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 30: Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace is challenged by David Luiz of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea FC at Selhurst Park on December 30, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 30: Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace is challenged by David Luiz of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea FC at Selhurst Park on December 30, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)

Wilfried Zaha

He may have failed to score in his 16 league appearances for the club but make no mistake, Zaha is Crystal Palace’s talisman and when the Ivory Coast international plays to his potential, it can be devastating for the opposition defence.

His speed, trickery and guile could pose a real threat to a Southampton defence, which can on occasions be caught flat footed and is susceptible to a swift counter attack. Although the forward is suffering from a goal drought, especially when compared to his usual high standards, his versatility across the front line will mean that Southampton will need to pay special attention to Zaha to prevent him derailing their current good form.