Southampton vs Crystal Palace: FA Cup match preview

A look ahead to the weekend’s FA Cup fixture at St Mary's

Pardew oversaw a run of eight league wins in 12 matches (Getty Images)

Ronald Koeman’s ever improving Southampton team entertain a Crystal Palace side who appear to be on the up since former Crystal Palace player Alan Pardew took over from Neil Warnock this month.

The Eagles are currently on a three match winning streak since Pardew took over the reins, whilst the Saints go into the tie undefeated in six matches.

Crystal Palace have often struggled for goals this season- and with star man Yank Bolasie away on international duty with the Congo- goals may be hard to come by against a Southampton team who hold the best defensive record in the Premier League.

PAST THREE MEETINGS...

Premier League, 26 December 2014, Crystal Palace 1(Dann) Southampton 3 (Mane, Bertrand, Aldereiweld)

Premier League, 8 March 2014, Crystal Palace 0 Southampton 1 (Rodriguez)

Premier League, 28 September 2013, Southampton 2 (Osvaldo, Lambert) Crystal Palace 0

STATS…

Southampton have won their last five meetings against Crystal Palace

The Eagles on the other hand have managed just 4 victories against Southampton in their past 20 encounters

The South London outfit have also lost half of all their matches against Southampton, losing 19 out of a possible 38 (Soccerpunter.com)

Southampton boasts only 2 home defeats to Crystal Palace in their previous 19 home encounters.

ODDS...

Southampton 8/13

Crystal Palace 11/2

TV: Highlights on Match Of The Day at 10.25 PM