Championship bound with goals an absolutely rarrity, Southampton’s season was a relative disaster under Mark Hughes – now it seems the south coasters are confident of Premier League survival, indeed you’d be wise to take a punt on them doing so using a bitcoin betting & sportsbook platform.
New boss Ralph Hasenhüttl has brought a much needed sense of urgency to proceedings, even his crowd winning beer buying methods have roused the home contingent considerably.
The Saints’ last 14 matches have seen 9 wins. Whilst a couple of defeats have come at home in their last 5, a confidence winning 2-1 victory over Everton has set them up nicely for this weekend’s fixture against Crystal Palace.
Hodgson’s side sit one place above their rivals, level on points. Whilst their two game winning streak on the road, including a win at Man City, was interrupted by a 4-3 defeat at Liverpool, Palace will also be confident of victory.
Tactics
Known in some quarters as ‘The Alpine Klopp, Hasenhüttl implements a quick pressing style. With Southampton chasing the opposition down the middle, the ball will most likely be pushed out to wide areas, the hope being that Palace will give away possession due to long sloppy balls.
With the likes of Shane Long, Danny Ings and Daniel Austin, the home side have plenty of ‘harrying’ gumption up top. Whilst Long has long periods of ineffectiveness in front of goal, there’s plenty of attacking talent in the box to worry their opponents.
Palace somewhat differently, will be betting on their midfield to get them goals.
Largely dependent of their flying winger Wilfried Zaha, for much of the last few seasons, the side have suffered this season with the Ivorian international nullified by savy (and largely illegal) defending.
Saying that, Zaha was excellent during the teams epic 3-2 win at City.
Andros Townsend, who potentially wrapped up the Goal of the Season award during that very game, has come into his own of late – his continued form will be vital given the rather blunt instrument Jordan Ayew has been this season.
The visitors have scored 32 goals all season compared to Southamptons 40 – hardly stunning stats for either side.
Injury news
The Eagles till have goalkeeper issues with Wayne Hennessey still our with a thigh issue. Long term casualty Papa Souare is still out with a March return likely.
The Saints will be hoping Ryan Bertrand will be available following his back issues whilst Maya Yoshida is still on international duty.
Prediction
Sure Palace have found their shooting boots of late, we thing Southampton’s feel good home atmosphere will pull them through.
Southampton 2-1 Palace