On Sky
Saints face Luton in a televised clash on Sunday, with Dave Bassett still in temporary charge. Luton manager Mike Newell is one of several managers linked with the Saints job this week.
Dave Bassett:
‘The style won’t change but we have got to score more goals so we have been working on improving out attacking play. Luton are direct and put you under pressure so we have to be able to deal with what they throw at us and then use the ball effectively when we have it’
Saints Team News:
The only injury boost for Saints should see Dennis Wise return from a thigh strain. Captain Nigel Quashie is still banned, while Michael Svennson will now be out until the new year after requiring further knee surgery. Claus Lundekvam (fractured ribs)and Marian Pahars (knee) are also still sidelined.
Player to watch: Theo Walcott
The Saints young star has been nominated in the top 3 of the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year this week. Hopefully he can continue the form which has earned him such high recognition.
Luton Team News:
Luton are definately without full-back Sol Davis (knee) and are waiting to see if defender Chris Coyne recovers from his knee injury.
Player to watch: Ahmet Brkovic
The Croatian looked a quality player and scored in Saints 3-2 reverse at Kenilworth Road in August.
Match Facts & Stats
Saints and Luton have met a total of 30 times. Saints have recorded 15 wins, and Luton have won 9.
The last meeting at Southampton was in the FA Cup in 1995, when Saints won 6-0 at The Dell.
Match Prediction:
Hopefully, after the shocking performance against Burnley last weekend, Saints can only get better. Luton are a tough side though and won’t make it easy. I’m not overly optimistic we’ll end our winless streak.
Another draw ?
1-1
