Derby Vs Saints

On Sky

Saints will kick off the season tomorrow afternoon with a new wave of hope and expectancy surrounding the club. Fans now hope that this season will be the one in which the club finally win promotion back to the big time. The fans views have been echoed by television pundits Mark Lawrenson and Chris Kamara who have both tipped the Saints as possible title contenders.

Saints have been busy in the transfer market, big name signings include Kelvin Davis, Pele, Gregorz Rasiak, John Viafara, Mario Licka and of course former Hearts playmaker Rudi Skacel.

The signing of Skacel in particular has captured fans imaginations and they will hope he is able to re capture his outstanding goal scoring form for Hearts. If he is able to do this it will go a long way towards ensuring Saints are promoted come the end of the season.

Tomorrow’s opponents Derby County have also been busy in the transfer market. They recently secured the signings of target man Steve Howard, Arsenal youngster Ryan Smith and of course former Saint Matt Oakley.

Vital Quotes:

‘Tomorrow will be a really tough start for us. Derby are
one of about a dozen teams who will feel they have a chance of getting promotion.’

Speaking to www.saintsfc.co.uk

Derby County Team News:

Derby will be looking to introduce new boys Steve Howard, Ryan Smith and Matt Oakley all of whom are in line to make their debuts in tomorrow’s game.

Derby also welcome back long serving defender Paul Bortien following a torrid time with injuries.

Player to watch: Inigo Idiakez

A dead ball specialist. Saints will have to be at their very best to try and ward of the threat of free kicks and corners. George Burley describes Idiakez as ‘the best dead-ball player I have worked with or coached.’ (speaking to www.saintsfc.co.uk)

Southampton Team News:

Saints will have a new look starting line up at Pride Park. New boys Kelvin Davis and Pele are set to go straight into the team.

In midfield John Viafara could be in line for a shock start alongside Jermaine Wright in midfield whilst Mario Licka faces a late fitness test.

Drew Surman looks set to start on the left hand side of midfield and Nathan Dyer may be preferred to Djamel Belmadi. Although new boy Rudi Skacel has not been ruled out may have to settle for a place on the bench as he lacks match fitness.

In attack Ricardo Fuller looks set to partner Gregorz Rasiak in attack with Bradley Wright-Phillips set for a place on the bench.

Long term absentees are Bartosz Bialkowski and Michael Svensson both recovering from knee injuries.

Player to watch: Gregorz Rasiak

A proven goal scorer at this level. Rams fans will know all about his qualities from his time at Pride Park. He showed glimpses of his goal scoring touch returning at the end of last season with two well taken goals against Stoke. He could be a contender for top league scorer this term.

Match Facts & Stats

Derby County have a much better record in the meetings between the two sides. Of the last 30 matches Derby have won 16 and lost only 3.

The Rams have been in good form at home of late losing only once in their last six home matches.

Saints had a decent record away from home at the end of last season with wins against Stoke City and Brighton but over the majority of the season their away form was appalling. This must change if they are to achieve their ambitions.

Last Seasons results between the two sides:

Derby County 2-2 Southampton

Southampton 0-0 Derby County