Mauricio Pochettino has praised Crystal Palace for being "more aggressive" since Tony Pulis was appointed as the team's manager.
The Eagles have lost just three matches in 2014, allowing them to move out of the relegation zone and up to 14th in the Premier League table.
The Southampton manager, who is preparing his side to face Palace this weekend, told the club's website: "It's clear that with their change of manager they have become a much more aggressive side.
"We've reviewed a lot of the home games that they've played recently, and they've shown they are a very aggressive, physical side. They use a lot of long balls so we're going to have to be aware of that.
"It's important that we balance out their desire to win with our own desire to win. We have to be at 120% to match their aggressiveness and their need for points."
Pulis replaced Ian Holloway at Selhurst Park in November.
Sian Cowper
