Saints are ready for what is a vital six pointer at the foot of the table. Doncaster Rovers are the next side to visit St. Mary’s – the place where other teams have come and generally left with points.
Both teams sit in the relegation zone with the Saints occupying 22nd spot while Doncaster are just two points behind the south coast side in 23rd place.
Southampton’s home record still remains the worst in the league, having only won once way back in September. You feel that tomorrow’s game is a real chance for the Saints to end their long win drought and St. Mary’s.
Vital Quotes: Poortvliet on Doncaster:
‘We have to do at home what we did at their place,’ he said. ‘I watched Doncaster play this week in the FA Cup against Cheltenham and they have a good squad. They play good football, but every team has vulnerability and I think that we can beat them.
‘They deserve to be higher in the league, but that’s the same for a lot of teams and we are prepared to do battle and will do everything we can to satisfy our home crowd.’
Southampton Team News:
Adam Lallana could start for the first time since the 2-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on the 20th December. The Under-21 England international has overcome an ankle injury and could start for Jan Poortvliet tomorrow.
Defenders Jan-Paul Saeijs and Lee Molyneux could retain their places after making their debut in last weeks 1-0 win at Barnsley.
Player to watch: David McGoldrick
Having scored last weeks winnder, the 21 year old will be looking to score his 8th league goal of the season in front of the Saints faithful
Doncaster Rovers Team News:
Rovers boss Sean O’Driscoll looks to name an unchanged side which faced Cheltenham in the cup on Tuesday night.
O’Driscoll may look to change his strike force which could not score past the league 1 outfit in Tuesday’s 0-0 draw. Gareth Taylor and Lewis Guy will be looking to get starts after being named on the bench at Cheltenham.
Player to watch: Brian Stock
Stock has been Rover’s most consistent player, and has notched four times in the league this year. The Winchester born midfielder will be looking to take the much needed three points back to Doncaster tomorrow.
Match Facts & Stats
The fixture at the Keepmoat stadium in September resulted in a Saints win, as an own goal and a Andrew Surman penalty made sure the Saints would return to Hampshire with the three points.
Ref Watch:
Mr. Steve Tanner (Sommerset)
Match Prediction:
Saints 1 – 0 Donny. Saints to finally end the poor run at St. Mary’s with a vital win which could kick-start their season.
Next Fixtures:
Norwich (A) Tuesday 27th
