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MATCH PREVIEW: Crystal Palace vs Southampton

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PALACE return to Selhurst Park this weekend to welcome Southampton.

It's been a pretty impressive season for the Saints under Mauricio Pochettino but their form has been inconsistent in recent weeks as they look to secure a top-ten finish.

We all know how important every game is for Palace at the moment and they can go into the clash with confidence after their strong finish at Swansea City last Sunday.

One thing for certain though is that boss Tony Pulis will get his tactics right from the start after admitting he got it wrong in the first half in south Wales.

Having two strikers up front certainly gave Palace a boost, and Pulis could be tempted to start Glenn Murray alongside Cameron Jerome again.

Marouane Chamakh picked up a hamstring injury at Swansea and was ruled out of Morocco's friendly with Gabon. He could face a late fitness test ahead of tomorrow but it was understood that he went for a scan on Wednesday and is a doubt.

Tom Ince will be hoping to keep his place after a quiet showing last weekend.

He had his best game against West Bromwich Albion when playing in behind the lone striker instead of out wide.

Jason Puncheon was dropped completely against Swansea and will be looking for a recall against his former club.

But Yannick Bolasie had a storming game in the second half on Sunday and should definitely keep his place.

Mile Jedinak captained Australia against Ecuador at the Den and scored the second goal of a seven-goal thriller on Wednesday night as the Socceroos won 4-3.

Palace will be hoping Jedinak reports back with no problems and is fit for tomorrow.

Elsewhere on the international scene, Danny Gabbidon got 45 minutes for Wales in their 3-1 win over Iceland, and goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey played the full match. Jonny Williams came on for Gareth Bale in the second half.

Damien Delaney had to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland squad due to a calf problem, and Gabbidon could be recalled to the Palace starting XI.

Kagisho Dikgacoi also pulled out of international duty with South Africa, and he hopes to be fit in time to face the Saints.

"I have been struggling with my back – I have had spasms, so I spoke to the physio and he advised me not to travel so that I don't aggravate the injury," said the central midfielder.

"It was best for me to stay behind and hopefully be fit for Saturday. It's going to be a tough game, Southampton have got quality players in their team.

"But we have home advantage on Saturday and I believe we're going to get maximum points."

Palace right-back Joel Ward, who signed from Southampton's bitter rivals Portsmouth in 2012, could get a few boos from the travelling support.

But that won't faze the defender. "There's no big issue, it's just another game – that's how I treat every game," said Ward.

"The whole connection doesn't mean anything, I will just concentrate on the football."

A number of Saints players were involved in international duty on Wednesday and the club will make late checks on them all.

England quartet Rickie Lambert, Jay Rodriguez, Adam Lallana and Luke Shaw are all key players, while the likes of Maya Yoshida, Dejan Lovren, Gaston Ramirez, Steven Davis, Victor Wanyama and Artur Boruc will all be assessed on their return from their respective countries.

Lallana and Shaw in particular stood out for the Three Lions on Wednesday. The former created the winning goal for Daniel Sturridge with a fine cross, while 18-year-old Shaw, looked extremely confident and relaxed on his debut. Meanwhile, Nathaniel Clyne will return to SE25 tomorrow for the first time since leaving the Eagles, if he is selected.

A popular figure at Palace after coming through the academy, Clyne has impressed for the Saints but has had stiff competition from Calum Chambers in recent weeks and could be on the bench.

MATCH PREVIEW: Crystal Palace vs Southampton


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