Well it`s hard really to explain just how massive this game is, its 5th Vs 1st in a game with the two of the leagues most in form sides.
Saints 2-1 mid week win over Sheffield Wednesday has left them in a great position in the table to push for the top two places, in fact it is an unlikely possibility that a win tomorrow and Southampton could (if results go our way) go second in the division.
Of course lest we forget that Derby are on a roll of there own. Pre-season not many would have tipped the rams for a top two finish but as it is at the moment it has become a distinct possibility.
Southampton is on a run of only 2 defeats in there last 18 fixtures compared to Derby`s 2 defeats in 20. But more importantly for the rams they have been on an impressive 7 match winning streak that has lifted them above Birmingham city into top place in the Championship.
The last time Saints faced off against the rams was way back on the first day of the season, Southampton travelled to Pride Park full of pre-season optimism and confidence. But on the day it became apparent that Derby had that same confidence and in front of the Sky TV Cameras the two sides played out a thrilling 2-2 draw. The day will linger on in the memories of Southampton fans for two main reasons, one pretty obvious reason; it was a great game of football. And secondly it was the first time that a certain Master Gareth Bale lined up one of his now trademark free kicks before curling it beautifully into the top corner of the net. I am not ashamed to admit that in the build up to the free kick I was horrified to see our young debutant readying him self for the shot. But what happened next is one of those moments one just doesn`t forget as a football fan and that goal sparked the Gareth Bale saga which has rumbled on and grown ever bigger since then. It`s easy to forget that only minutes after that Bale special Bradley Wright Phillips managed his debut goal as well.
Vital Quotes:
George Burley speaking about Derby –
‘The signings last month speak volumes for the new board there.
‘It shows you the desire to get promoted.
‘They’ve brought in seven new players in January, so they’re really going for it.
‘It’s going to be tough but we’re in good form.
Saints Team News:
New signing Marek Saganowski is on standby to possibly come in for Kenwyne Jones if he isn`t fit to play following a knock mid week against Sheffield Wednesday.
Goalkeeper Kelvin Davis could miss out following the game mid week but saints boss George Burley expects him to be ok, speaking to the saints official web site Burley said ” Kelvin is very bruised and sore with stud marks across his chest, but thankfully it does not seem to serious”
Nathan Dyer could return
But Darren Powell will definatly miss out as will Djamel Balmadi and Michael Svensson.
Player to watch: Gareth Bale
In what is going to be a close game of football i feel that the extra quality that Bale has will prove invaluable to Southampton.
Derby Team News:
Many thanks to Vital Derby for the following away team news –
The Rams three new signings James McEveley, Tyrone Mears and Jon Macken are available for selection, and all will be pushing for their debuts. Competition for place`s Davies has said will strengthen his team, but he has plenty of welcome selection headaches to contend with, particularly after a run of seven successive victories. Also looking for a spot in the team are Seth Johnson and Giles Barnes who missed the Burnley game on Tuesday.
Player to watch: Steve Howard
Has three goals in his last three games to help make up his 12 so far this season
Match Facts & Stats
History
Over the last two years the sides have proved inseparable with 3 draws being played out over the last couple of seasons. Southampton`s last win over Derby came back in 2002 when saints won 2-0 at St Mary`s.
The most memorable moment between the two teams is probably the freak James Beattie own goal back in 2001 at Pride Park, his attempted clearance some how went straight into the air like an arrow before being fumbled and dropped in by saints calamitous former goal keeper Paul Jones. Southampton went on to lose that game 1-0.
Last 5 Fixtures
2006/2007
Championship – Derby 2 Southampton 2 – 06.08.06
2005/2006
Championship – Southampton 0 Derby 0 – 04.02.06
Championship – Derby 2 Southampton 2 – 19.06.05
2001/2002
Premiership – Southampton 2 Derby 0 – 06.04.02
Premiership – Derby 1 Southampton 0 – 17.11.01
Ref Watch:
The ref for this game is Mr Jonathan Moss. He has showed 66 yellow cards and three red cards from 28 games.
Match Prediction:
Mikes Prediction
It is going to be without doubt one of Saints biggest tests so far this season, Derby are on a 7 match winning streak. But Southampton are the home team and with us only being one point from the top two im sure the players will find all in incentive they need to put on a good show.
Prediction – Southampton 2 Derby County 1
Next Fixtures:
Championship – West Brom Vs Southampton – 10/02/07
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