Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Soaring Crystal Palace worry Southampton boss Ronald Koeman
RONALD KOEMAN has warned his players Crystal Palace represent more difficult opponents than the team they twice defeated last season.
Southampton's Dutch boss has painful memories of facing Crystal Palace at St Mary's
Southampton visit Palace less than a year after their 3-1 win at Selhurst Park shortly before the Eagles appointed Alan Pardew - who has since overseen a significant improvement in his team, which included a 3-2 FA Cup win at Southampton shortly after his arrival.
"They are a strong team, they have a lot of physicality, and some good quality players," Koeman said.
"They like to play offensively, with a big spirit in the team. We have to stop that and play our own game and to use our strengths will be very important - and very decisive."