Crystal Palace might be on a six-game losing streak in the Premier League, but Claude Puel is in no doubt about how tough the trip to Selhurst Park will be.
Saints will be aiming for back-to-back victories in the top-flight when they visit the Eagles and former manager Alan Pardew, with Puel expecting a stern test.
"It's always difficult to play in this stadium," he said. "It's a little stadium with fans near the pitch and it's always difficult to play away at Crystal Palace.
"His team, like us, need points. They have good players, like Cabaye, Benteke and Zaha. It's important to consider all the players of this team, the staff also, and we know it's always difficult."
Following Wednesday's 2-0 win over Arsenal in the EFL Cup, Puel added that he will again make changes to his team in order to cope with the workload.
"I think it's important every time to rotate," he said. "We can see all the team against Arsenal and Everton, with eight changes.
"Normally, we will change also against Crystal Palace and the challenge is to keep the same identity, the same football and the same attitude.
"It's difficult, of course, but interesting for all the players, because they can have game time, participate in different competitions and we will see if we have the ability to continue this work, beginning on Saturday against Crystal Palace."
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