Unavailable:
Southampton – Forster, Gardoş, Rodriguez, Pellè, Wanyama
Crystal Palace – Wickham, Gayle, Bolasie,
Appiah
The FA Cup should inspire that feeling of
magic and sentimentality for clubs around the country this weekend, yet cheer
has been limited at St Mary’s in recent times. What would have been earmarked
as a genuine chance to win a trophy has been overlooked by certain fans, as they
mutter that the league remains the priority – the menace of the relegation zone
lurks in the background for Ronald Koeman’s men. After last week’s frustrating
result, it has most likely benefitted the Saints boss to have an uninterrupted seven
days alone with his charges. Justifiably aggravated by the unprofessional
behaviour of Sadio Mané and Victor Wanyama, the Dutchman has had an opportunity
to refresh his squad and hand out suitable punishments to the ill-disciplined
duo, as he slated them both in the public sphere.
Koeman arrived for his pre-match conference
in a mood that was calm and composed in contrast with his evident irritation at
Carrow Road – prepared for a barrage of questions regarding said players – and
duly commented that it was water under the bridge. Regardless of that, Wanyama
and Mané now have to exhibit that repentance on the pitch. While the former has
time to reflect on his naïve actions on the pitch with an upcoming two match
ban, the latter needs to display the flair that has attracted the attention of
United and co. A watch may also be a useful purchase for the Senegalese. The attacker will be thrust back into the
starting line-up as Koeman hunts for a more dynamic approach than the
workmanlike display which yielded few genuine chances last weekend in Norfolk.
It may be a necessary measure to overcome a
Crystal Palace side that has been assembled with a sure defensive basis –
permitting Yannick Bolasie and Wilfried Zaha to fly down the wings. Alan Pardew’s
men have been most prolific away from home, however Saints were powerless to
stop them at Selhurst Park last month in an indifferent performance. Saturday’s
visitors have struggled since that 1-0 victory though; stifled by a lack of
goals from their frontmen.
In fact, Connor Wickham remains the only
Palace striker to have scored a league goal, and that was a penalty. The
now-injured forward is the only genuine targetman that Palace have within their
ranks, which does limit their approach when he is unavailable. When wing play
is such a strong part of a club’s identity, a marksman who can spearhead the
attack is habitually present to convert the chances crafted by the men on
either side of him – it is an area that the London club need to strengthen if
they are to progress.
This game has the potential to aid Palace and
reinvigorate Saints. In one week, the hosts have three matches to play with fourth
round qualification and six points up for grabs. It is time to act in order to
quiet the murmurs of discontent.
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