Crystal Palace vs Southampton: Where the game will be won and lost

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 28: Vicente Guaita of Crystal Palace fails to save from Danny Ings of Southampton who scores his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Crystal Palace at St Mary’s Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /

Danny Ings

Before the game even kicks-off, Southampton’s chance of a positive result could be seriously hampered if he is not selected to start the match. Although the Saints were able to muster a positive result without Ings starting against Chelsea, his fourteen goals are the main reason why the red and whites are six points above the drop zone.

Contributing to over half of his side’s goals this season (14G, 1A), the away fans traveling to the game will be concerned by Hasenhutll’s admittance that there are likely to be many changes to the side that got beaten on Saturday.

If and when the English striker gets onto the pitch, it is vitally important for his side that he is not marked out of the game. When facing Wolves, Ings could only take one shot, with his single attempt off target. This was the result of Nuno Espirito Santo setting up his side to press the 27-year-old every time he got on the ball and not allow him any space. This allowed Shane Long more opportunities to score, with his three shots equating to one goal, but completely nullified the threat of Ings.

Before Saturday’s match, the former Liverpool man had averaged five shots in the last four matches that he had started, scoring five times.