Palace Preview: Midfield decisions for Vieira in Southampton clash

PAST MEETINGS

It was a topsy-turvy match at Selhurst Park the last time these two sides met, with Palace taking an early lead through Wilfried Zaha within the opening two minutes.

Southampton hit back with two goals in five minutes through James Ward-Prowse and Armando Broja, before Jordan Ayew rescued a point for the Eagles in the second-half.

The Eagles will be looking for revenge for the last trip to St Mary’s, when Christian Benteke’s early goal was cancelled out by a Danny Ings brace to give Southampton a 3-1 win.

PREVIEW

Palace spent much of Monday night against Leeds United knocking at the door, but failing to find a way through. Conor Gallagher, Wilfried Zaha and co. saw the Eagles dominate much of the game, and they were disappointed to settle for a point.

Patrick Vieira was pleased with aspects of the performance, however, which he says can be taken into the Southampton fixture.

“I can be frustrated and the team can be frustrated,” he said in his post-match interview. “But it was really difficult for us to find the net. Outside of that, I think we played some really good football with a high tempo.”

The result is something to build on after a disappointing trip to Newcastle United a week ago, and now Palace have the chance to end the season on a high.

That said, Southampton present a difficult challenge, particularly given the form of free-kick specialist James Ward-Prowse.

The midfielder scored from a dead ball once again in the 2-2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion last time out, taking his total in the Premier League to 14 – only David Beckham has scored more.

Winless in their last two games, the Saints – like Palace – last tasted victory at home to Arsenal as Jan Bednarek scored the only goal.

Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side sit two points clear of Palace in 13th place, but have played a game more and have a far worse goal difference than the Eagles.

Victory on the south coast could see Palace rise as high as 11th should results go their way.

TACTICAL OVERVIEW

Vieira started Eberechi Eze in midfield against Leeds, with his silky footwork complementing James McArthur’s composure and Gallagher’s tireless running. Cheikhou Kouyaté was given a rare night off, but could return in the centre should Vieira look for more defensive solidity.

In attack, Michael Olise made another huge impression after his introduction as he continues to manage his return from injury, and could be in line for a start. Wilfried Zaha, who was a constant source of danger for the Leeds defence on Monday night, will be a thorn in Southampton’s side once again.

While Ward-Prowse is the heartbeat of the Southampton midfield, he is aided by the physicality of Oriol Romeu, both of whom feed Ché Adams and Shane Long in attack.

The hosts will be without exciting teenage full-back Tino Livramento, who suffered an ACL injury against Brighton and will be out for the remainder of the calendar year.