On Sky
Southampton will be the first opponents for Plymouth after they were relegated from the Championship last season. Plymouth like Saints will be looking to go up this season and this could be a pointer for how both teams stand at this moment in time. New plymouth manager Peter Reid will have his players well prepared and we can expect a good old fashioned tussle between two of the leagues possible heavyweights.
Vital Quotes:
Southampton Team News:
Saints have a host of players that are doubtful for the game. Frazer Richardson is definitely out with his shoulder injury. Adam Lallana will almost certainly miss out as she has had no pre-season. Lambert, Puncheon, Schneiderlin, Seaborne, Holmes and Mills are all players hoping to be fit enough to play.
Player to watch: Lee Barnard
Lee has been exceptionally sharp in the pre-season games and could easily be ready to show what he can do for us as the season starts.Him and Connolly seem to striking up a very good understanding together and hopefully this will keep is firing the bullets required to win.
Plymouth Team News:
It looks as though Yannick Bolasie may be out afterhe danaged his ankle in a pre-season game on monday. Ex-Saint Lee Molyneux could play as he has just signed a five month contract with Argyle. Another ex of ours Bradley Wright Phillips could also appear at his old stamping ground.
Player to watch: Luke Summerfield
Luke is one of the club’s favourite sons and could prove to be a handfull against us.
Match Facts & Stats
Over the years Saints have met the ‘Pilgrims’ 32 times at home. Winning 14, Drawing 10 and losing 8. Recently though Plymouth met us 4 times in the CCC.
One win apiece and two draws shows that these are usually hard fought games.
Ref Watch:
The referee is Mr J Moss
Assistants are
D D Bushell and G R Russell
4th official is D S McDermid
Match Prediction:
Obviously as a Saint and with us being at home I am hopefull of a good start to the season. Injuries apart I think we should edge the game and I predict a score of
Saints 2 Plymouth 1
Carling Cup
Saints will again be at home on Tuesday evening when hosting Bournemouth in the Carling Cup.
Plymouth will be at home to Notts County in the same competition.
