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Southampton: 3 Keys To Victory For Saints Against Crystal Palace

By Nikolas Kinney

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 15: Kyle Walker-Peters and Carlos Alcaraz of Southampton during warm-up before the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Brentford FC at Friends Provident St. Mary's Stadium on March 15, 2023 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 15: Kyle Walker-Peters and Carlos Alcaraz of Southampton during warm-up before the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Brentford FC at Friends Provident St. Mary's Stadium on March 15, 2023 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images) /
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 12: Paul Onuachu of Southampton during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Southampton FC at Old Trafford on March 12, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 12: Paul Onuachu of Southampton during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Southampton FC at Old Trafford on March 12, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

2. Defense vs. Goal Scoring Threat

Southampton have struggled for goals so far this season, managing just twenty-four in thirty games, good for a joint-last in the Premier League. This is despite a relatively busy January transfer window, which saw the arrival of striker Paul Onuachu, winger Kamaldeen Sulemana, and midfielder Carlos Alcaraz.

Alcaraz has contributed two goals since his arrival, including a massively important winner against Leicester City. However, the others have struggled to fit into Ruben Selles’ high pressing 4-2-2-2, and thus have seen game time drop.

Selles has thus far opted for a conservative approach to his team selection, opting for players who work hard off the ball: Mohammed Elyonoussi (no Premier League goals, one assist), Stuart Armstrong (one goal, no assists), and Theo Walcott (one goal, one assist). Perhaps it is time for Selles to lessen the pragmatism and up the attacking intent. Onuachu’s aerial ability and Sulemana’s pace could make the difference in what will be a closely contested affair.

3. Keeping Palace Wingers in Check

Southampton have landed Crystal Palace at a bad time. Under prodigal manager Roy Hodgson, Palace have strung together two straight wins, and put five goals past Leeds in their previous outing. With Palace on a good run of attacking form, the Saints will have to control the game through their hard-working midfield of Romeo Lavia and James Ward Prowse. The key matchups lie on the wings.

In the place of injured talisman Wilfried Zaha, Jordan Ayew netted two goals in the Eagles’ rout of Leeds, while opposite winger Michael Olise contributed three assists. Saints full-backs Kyle Walker-Peters and Romain Perraud will have to be sharp to contain these two center pieces of potent Palace counter-attacks.

With every match gaining in importance, Saturday’s match against Crystal Palace is a pivotal relegation battle clash. A win could take the Saints off the bottom and give some much-needed life to what has been a disappointing season. The match kicks off at St. Mary’s at 3 pm BST.