Saint Brum

Southampton have been handed a home tie in Round 2 of the Carling Cup against Birmingham. That means the northerners will travel to St Marys twice within two weeks to try and out do their Championship rivals.
Kevin Phillips, will return to his old club as he looks to take his new club into the next round.

There is no doubt about it that there are a few tough games coming up for Saints. Birmingham and Derby occupy the next three fixtures, and the Saints team that comes out the other end of these games will be the one that determines the remainder of the season. It is as simple as that. Too early to make bold statements like that? Maybe so, but we’ll see.

I’d personally like to see John and McGoldrick paired up front together in the next few games. I think the young lad could learn a lot from the experienced International, and might be the killer touch we need in front of goal.

Only time will tell.