The Saints entertain the Blades tonight at St. Mary’s and the pitch has been given the all clear by Saints ground staff.
The Blades sit in 5th place and need a result to keep their play-off place.
The Saints on the other hand need a win to end what has been a good week, having drawn twice. New manager Mark Wotte has steadied the ship and a home win will do wonders for the fans and team spirit.
Vital Quotes: Wotte on draw with Norwich:
‘Some people told me that it was one of the best performances at St. Mary’s they’d seen this season and I think people really enjoyed it because of the total commitment, the spirit of the team and the two goals we scored, but three points is what we need tonight and that’s what we’ll be playing for.’
Southampton Team News:
Saints will be without left back Lee Molyneux after getting sent off against Swansea.
Other than that, the Saints have a relitavely clean bill and will be a strong force tonight.
Player to watch: Marek Saganowski
With four goals in four, the Polish international has been the one that has lifted the Saints since return from his loan spell with Aalborg.
The 30 year old will be looking to notch again to make it five in five.
Sheffield United Team News:
The blades will miss their commanding captain Chris Morgan due to a strained hamstring, picked up against Preston.
However, like Wotte, Kevin Blackwell has a clean bill and no fresh injury worries.
Player to watch: Stephen Quinn
With seven goals this season, the midfielder will be looking to cause trouble down the left wing for the Blades tonight.
Match Facts & Stats
Last years dramatic last day match will be one to remember for all Saints fans. Saints needed to win to stay up – and that is what they did. With 25 minutes to go, the score was 2-2 thanks to a John Stead equalizer. But thanks to a Stern John winner the Saints retained their Championship status which sparked a full house a St. Mary’s to invade the pitch.
The fixture at Bramall Lane in October last year resulted in a hard fought score draw.
Ref Watch:
Mr. Michael Oliver (Northumberland)
Match Prediction:
Saints 2 – 1 Sheff Utd. Mark Wotte to continue his good start as Saints boss, and Saganowski to continue his great return to the south coast.
Next Fixtures:
Watford (A) Saturday 7th February. MASSIVE GAME!
