The Saints manager thinks Wilfried Zaha is crucial to the Eagles’ transitions forward and suggests he will be a threat when the two sides meet on Wednesday.
Ralph Hasenhuttl has warned Southampton to expect a tough game when they face Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Wednesday night.
The Saints are currently in good form and are hoping to record a third consecutive league victory whilst trying to hand the Eagles their third straight defeat in the top flight.
However, Palace – above Southampton in the table on goal difference – will undoubtedly have been boosted from their solid 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday.
Speaking to the official Saints site ahead of the St Mary’s game, Hasenhuttl explained why he thought Palace would be a tough opponent and singled out attacking ace Wilfried Zaha for his role in the squad.
“We have taken two important wins, against Leicester and then Everton at home, and we will do everything to take a third league win in a row,” said the Austrian. “But we are against a very, very good team – they have shown in the last weeks they can play very good games against good teams.
“They are a very well-balanced team with a very stable defence and good quality for their transitions forward, with Zaha. I think they are really a very strong opponent, but I think we have also shown we are getting better and better. It will be a tough game.”
According to 11v11, Southampton have had the better of the Eagles out their 107 meetings, winning 46 times and drawing 22, while the last fixture between the two, the reverse league fixture in September, saw Mark Hughes’ side run out 2-0 winners at Selhurst Park.
Zaha has taken part in 22 games for Palace this season, including 20 in the Premier League, and has scored three goals and registered four assists in all competitions, according to Transfermarkt.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
