Saints will be striving to extend their winning home run as the host Blackpool who are one of the teams fighting for promotion to the Premiership.
Pool play an open attacking game and could use ex Saint Kevin Phillips in their matchday squad.
I am hopeful of a good open game and foresee a few goal opportunities at both ends of the park.
Vital Quotes:
Southampton Team News:
Saints are hoping to have Rickie Lambert available though Richard Chaplow is likely to be out of contention. David Connolly is also likely to miss out.
Player to watch: Adam Lallana
Adam will possibly have more chance of delivering if Blackpool play to their normal style and I can see him having a big say in the final outcome.
Blackpool Team News:
Alex Baptiste is unlikely to start after missing last week’s win over Reading with a hamstring injury, and should he miss out Craig Cathcart will continue to deputise.
Keith Southern is ruled out, but Callum McManaman will hope to keep his place in the attack, although he is competing with the club’s joint top scorer ex Saint Kevin Phillips for a starting role.
Player to watch: Kevin Phillips
Kevin has scored wherever he played and will be a major threat if he starts.
Match Facts & Stats
The teams have not met often in recent years although Saints hold an impressive 17 victories from 26 home meetings with Blackpool.
Ref Watch:
Mr. Geoff Eltringham from Tyne & Wear takes charge of Saturday’s game.
For this game Mr. Eltringham will be assisted by Mr. D. Eaton and Mr. N. Radford. The Fourth Official is Mr. G. Scott.
Match Prediction:
I am going for a 3-1 Saints win.
Next Fixtures:
Sun 18th Dec – Portsmouth v Saints
Sat 17th Dec – Blackpool v Watford
