PREM: Crystal Palace v Southampton preview

Crystal Palace v Southampton preview

Southampton will assess the fitness of striker Danny Ings ahead of their trip to Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.

The striker is nursing a foot problem which saw him miss the Carabao Cup win at Brighton in midweek, and will be looked at again before travelling to London.

Southampton manager Mark Hughes is wary of the threat posed by Crystal Palace - especially at Selhurst Park - and has hinted at how his side could stop the Eagles' star man Wilfried Zaha.

"They're [Crystal Palace] a very good side. Roy's been there a decent amount of time and you start to see his imprint and mark on the team," he said.

"Roy's teams will always be very disciplined and well drilled, and he sprinkles good talent within the structure of what he wants. It's a good mix and a well-balanced team.

"He [Zaha] looks comfortable in his surroundings. It's difficult to stop him in full flight, because he has that technical ability. I think the key is stopping him getting the ball in the first place, but then when he is in possession you've just got to try to keep him away from the danger areas."

The Saints are the team that ensured Roy Hodgson's managerial reign as Eagles boss began with a 1-0 defeat, but the former England manager is targeting a win before the upcoming international break.

He said: "We would like a win before it, but you can't put yourselves under that pressure of a 'must-win' game. We think we know most of their players and the type of game that they play.

"There is nothing to particularly talk about with surprises, but we know how they play, and they know how we play."

Southampton midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg missed the midweek win through suspension but he is available again for Saturday.

Hughes made 10 changes in the cup, with just Mohamed Elyounoussi remaining from the team that started against Leicester, so wholesale changes are expected once more at Selhurst Park.

James Tomkins faces a late fitness test for Crystal Palace. The central defender has been struggling with a minor calf injury, so Martin Kelly is in contention to continue to deputise if he is ruled out.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka will vie for selection at right-back with Joel Ward, but Scott Dann and Connor Wickham remain long-term absentees.