The league leaders travel to Pride Park on Saturday afternoon to take on a Derby side that have made a similar emphatic start to the season.
Nigel Clough’s men are in third place, having just lost three times this season and the Rams will be looking to close the gap on the south-coast leaders.
The Saints have already lost in the midlands this season – a 3-2 defeat to Leicester, but Adkins feels his side are ready for the challenge this Saturday.
Vital Quotes: Adkins on the visit to Pride Park
‘We go up to Derby County on Saturday with 32,000 people in the stadium and it will be bouncing because it will be a great game.
‘They have had a good start to the season, so it should be an exciting game of football for whoever goes.’
Derby County Team News:
Derby captain Shaun Barker is set to make his return, while striker Nathan Tyson could feature after missing Derby’s last three games with a groin problem.
Player to watch: Steven Davies
The former Tranmere striker has already scored five league goals for Derby this season, and Davies will be looking to add to his tally when the Saints come to Pride Park.
Southampton Team News:
Defender Dan Harding and striker Lee Barnard could make their returns after the duo returned to full training during the international break.
Player to watch: Rickie Lambert
Lambert has eight league goals to his name already and the 29-year-old has impressed in his first Championship season.
Match Facts & Stats
Ref Watch:
Mr. Mark Brown (East Yorkshire)
Match Prediction:
Derby 1 – 1 SAINTS
Next Fixtures:
SAINTS vs West Ham (Tuesday 18)
Reading vs SAINTS (Saturday 25)
