On Sky
This is it. Nothing else than a win will do, and that may only lead to extra-time for Saints.
Billy Davies’ Derby have the advantage from the first leg, with a 2-1 win at St. Marys thanks to a brace from Steve Howard after Drew Surman’s fine opener. Howard will need to be watched tonight. Dubbed as the ‘ultimate target man’ he proved a real handfull for the Saints defence 3 days ago, in particular Pele who could be replaced by Darren Powell.
That game also saw Gareth Bale and Kenwyne Jones succumb to injury as a result of Derby’s ugly but effective tactics. Although Saints played much of the football, Saturday’s game demonstrated that playing pretty football doesn’t guarentee victory. Derby took their chances when they came, while Saints wasted them with Marek Saganowski hitting the crossbar twice.
However, the fact that Saints have created so many chances against Derby this season makes it possible for Saints to turn this tie around. George Burley’s men are also not afraid of scoring on the road – netting away from home the most times out of any football league team this season.
It is by no means an easy task and Saints are certainly the underdogs, but football always seems to throw up shocks and surprises. How Saints could do with one tonight.
Vital Quotes:
George Burley – ‘It is only midway throught he tie and the game is never won or lost at half-time. It is the full duration which counts.’
Derby County Team News:
Morten Bisgaard and Paul Peschisolido could return from ankle and hamstring problems respectively.
Player to watch: Home Player
Steve Howard – the centre forward poses a real aerial threat and he will have to be marked tightly from the start.
Southampton Team News:
Gareth Bale (ankle) and Kenwyne Jones (groin) are almost definitely out, while Alexander Ostlund and Darren Powell face late fitness tests.
Player to watch: Away Player
Marek Saganowski – the striker has played twice against Derby this season, and although he hasn’t scored against them, the Poland international has hit the woodwork three times.
Match Facts & Stats
FIRST LEG:
Saints 1-2 Derby
Ref Watch:
Andy D’Urso
Next Fixtures:
N/A
