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

Set-Pieces

Both sides pose a danger from a dead-ball situation, with Crystal Palace and Southampton both showing their ability from this avenue through scoring from a corner against Manchester City and Wolves respectively.

The Saints have struggled to defend from set-pieces since switching to the zonal marking approach from the man to man, with opposition players finding it easier to lose their man in the box and have a free shot at goal if the quality of service is good enough.

The Eagles know this well, with their goal at St Marys coming from a powerful James Tompkins header, directing the ball into the back of the net from a Luka Milivojevic free-kick.

The Serbian is suspended for Tuesday’s fixture, however, Crystal Palace still has a capable taker in new signing James McCarthy.

In combination, the home side is bolstered by the return of Premier League winner Gary Cahill. The former Chelsea man does not only pose a threat in the Southampton penalty area through his aerial presence, but leadership in the backline compresses the likelihood that there will be a man left free when the Saints are attacking.

In spite of this, the Deadball ability of Ward-Prowse always gives Southampton a chance. The Englishman was unlucky not to register an assist when his free-kick landed to the foot of Jan Bednarek who blazed the ball well over the bar.

The Eagles also have a tendency to give away a host of fouls outside their penalty area, meaning that Ward-Prowse is likely to have opportunities to use his specialty on many occassions on Tuesday night.