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Southampton vs Crystal Palace: Premier League – Opposition Threats

By Alastair Case

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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WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 02: Joao Moutinho of Wolverhampton Wanderers reacts as Romain Saiss of Wolverhampton Wanderers fails to clear the ball from Andros Townsend of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace at Molineux on January 2, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 02: Joao Moutinho of Wolverhampton Wanderers reacts as Romain Saiss of Wolverhampton Wanderers fails to clear the ball from Andros Townsend of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace at Molineux on January 2, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /

Andros Townsend

England winger Townsend has been in scintillating form for Palace over the last month, with his last three goals coming against Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City respectively. The goal that the 27 year old scored at the Etihad could well end up being the goal of the season and his potency from range could prove Southampton’s undoing.

Despite the tangible improvement seen since Hasenhuttl’s arrival in December, Saints have been caught out on several occasions by long range strikes this season, often a direct result of failing to close down opposing players quickly enough or by backing off when faced with direct play.

Townsend is renowned for his ability to cut inside and unleash powerful shots with either foot and as such, Southampton must ensure they are alert to the threat he poses from range. In what could ultimately prove a six pointer, it is imperative that the likes of Romeu, Ward-Prowse and Hojbjerg track the runs that Townsend and Zaha make.