Having had the trauma of AP leaving and then seeing Swindon turn us over in the first game of our defence of the JPT, all Saints fans will be wondering what will happen against Rochdale. Will we turn up in the same frame of mind as on Tuesday night or will we show everybody that AP has built a team to fear?
I myself reckon that the team will be really up for this as they try to wipe the memory of that game away. I foresee a good attacking show with us maybe doing a Rovers on our visitors.
Vital Quotes:
Southampton Team News:
Lee Barnard is out after collecting a three match ban on Tuesday.
Adam Lallana is expected to be out for approximately 6 weeks in an attempt to cure his knee problem.
Guly do Prado will be very fortunate if he keeps his place in the team after his abysmal showing against Swindon and may need a little time to adjust to English football.
Ryan Dickson or Joseph Mills could take his place and my preference would be for Dickson to play.
Lee Holmes and Frazer Richardson have both resumed training but are some way from a return to action.
Player to watch: Rickie Lambert
Rickie has had a slow start due to his imjury and must now be nearing full fitness. I am expecting a more prominant display from him on Saturday.
Rochdale Team News:
Rochdale sold defender Craig Dawson to West Bromwich Albion on deadline day and immediately loaned him back for the duration of the season. He will be playing in the team and will be trying to show why Premier side Albion have bought him.
Player to watch: Craig Dawson
He is likely to be trying extra hard to show the world why he has been bought.
Match Facts & Stats
Saints have only played a total of 7 times against Dale. 5 times in the cup and twice in the old Third Division. Saints have won three at home drawing the other. The last time we met was back in 1990 when we finished up winning 5-0 away and 3-0 at home in the League Cup. With the history being so long ago it will be interesting to see how Keith Hill has his side set up to play.
Ref Watch:
Mr Andy Woolmer takes charge.
Assisted by Mr S Rubery and Mr T Wood.
4th Official is Mr J Hopkins.
Match Prediction:
Even after the loss of AP and after Tueday I feel this is a game we can win.
I will say 3-0
Next Fixtures:
Sat 11th September
Swindon v Saints
Rochdale v Walsall
