Saints v Tangerines Preview

Southampton have been drawn at home to Premiership club Blackpool and will be relishing the game to see how we are faring at this stage of their improvement.

Blackpool have surprised many with the open attacking style of play that they are serving up and how well they have done to date.

Saints have started this season poorly, and after a change of manager, are now right in forefront of the race for promotion to the Championship.

Every year we see upsets when a lower league team defeats a Premiership one and saints will be hoping that their current good form will suffice against the tangerines who have slowly slid down the premiership table of late.

Vital Quotes:

Southampton Team News:

Nigel Adkins has no new injury problems after the Dagenham and Redbridge game.

Player to watch: Alex Chamberlain

This is a game that could really show us how good young Alex is right now. He is fast and is also quite intelligent and is learning all of the time as he develops.

Blackpool Team News:

Ian Holloway might be tempted to freshen up his team after a heavy schedule. Midfielder David Carney is with Australia now and Elliot Grandin is a possible inclusion after injury.
Three ex-Saints Euell, Crainey and Ormerod could all play having been played in midweek.

Player to watch: Brett Ormerod

Brett could join the long list of ex-saints that come back to haunt us.

Match Facts & Stats

Saints have a good overall record against the Tangerines. With 16 wins, 5 draws and 4 defeats, the home side has a clear advantage when playing at home.
Things might be slightly different now as we have dropped to the third tier whilst Blackpool have risen to the top flight. That added to the fact that Blackpool won at St Mary’s on their last visit.

Ref Watch:

Mr Martin Atkinson officiates.

Mr S Child & Mr M Yerby assist.

Mr I Williamson is 4th official.

Match Prediction:

this will be a tricky game but with Saints on a roll I go for a 2-1 home win.

Next Fixtures:

Tues 11th Jan
Oldham v Saints

Weds 12th Jan
Blackpool v Liverpool