Southampton V Wigan, The Preview

Southampton certainly made a statement on Sunday afternoon when they lost by just the 1 goal against Manchester City. At one point Saints ‘dared to dream’ as they took the lead at the Eithad before coming of the pitch empty handed as they lost 3-2. Throughout the game, Saints showed they are here to stay since returning to the big time. With some good counter attacking play and at times some strong defending they showed enormous amounts of passion as they really did give the Champions a go.

Moving on from that impressive performance, St Marys Stadium welcomes back Premier League Football after a seven year absence this weekend. Expected to sell out, the Saints will be looking to please a crowd of 32,000 and register their 1^st points in the Premier League this season.

TEAM SELECTION?

Looking back to Sunday, many people questioned Nigel Adkins when everybody couldn’t understand why so called ‘Goal Machine’ Rickie Lambert was on the bench. Furthermore, many people thought that giving James Ward-Prowse his league debut against the reigning champions was also a mistake with new signing and experienced Steve Davis left on the bench.

That backfired on the doubters as young 17 year old Ward-Prowse put in a solid performance against the likes of Ya Ya Toure and Jack Rodwell. After the game, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp stated his thoughts on the youngster. He seemed to have numerous amounts of praise for the lad and he feels he could be one for the future.

Also, leaving Rickie Lambert & Steve Davis on the bench was questioned. However, that was silenced when they both came on to score! Many still say if Rickie Lambert started then Saints could have got something. However, I disagree as I feel Adkins knew if he brought on Lambert, instead of starting him then he would be fresher with the City defence tiring as the game went on. Obviously, it will be questioned like I’ve said but to come on, change the entire game and beat Joe Hart like he did, you can’t complain.

So as Wigan approaches, we are all wandering who will start for the Saints.

It’s unlikely that Olympian Jack Cork will be fit with him out for a week or 2 due to an ankle injury. Other than that, it seems the Saints have an injury-free squad. In Last week’s game Richard Chaplow, Steve De Ridder & Dean Hammond all missed out on making the squad so I’m sure there be eager to make their way into the team.  Pre-Season hot shot Billy Sharp will also be looking to get a start with him playing around 3 minutes on Sunday.

Leading on, Fan Favourite Rickie Lambert and Steve Davis will both be pushing for a start having both scored against Man City.

What System will Adkins play?

At the Weekend, Saints played an unfamiliar 4-3-3 with new skipper Adam Lallana having a free role in behind and round the front 3. Looking into this fixture, I could see Saints playing the usual 4-4-2 with us being on home soil. I feel Rickie Lambert will start alongside Jay Rodriguez with Lallana just behind. If Lallana plays the free role you’re looking at 4-3-1-2 formation.

Possible Starting 11?

4-3-1-2

Davis, Clyne, Hooiveld, Fonte, Fox, Schneiderlin, Ward-Prowse,Davis, Lallana(c), Rodriguez, Lambert.

THE OPPOSTION:

Injury News;

Jean Beausejour missed Wigan’s opener but he is expected to be fit to face Saints whilst midfielder James McArthur seems to be giving Wigan boss Martinez the most concern, he said: 'James was starting to feel his back that has given him a problem in pre-season, but he did so well to last over an hour.
'We never expected him to last that long, but it shows once again his character and what a strong-minded boy he is.'

Also, Shaun Maloney had to leave the Chelsea game early, being substituted shortly after the restart for the second half with what was described, at the time, as a dead leg last weekend but once again Roberto Martinez feels he will be back for the Saints game.

He is not injured but it is questionable whether Victor Moses will play with speculation continuing to grow on him ahead of a possible move to Chelsea.

Danger Men;

If VICTOR MOSES is still a Wigan Player by Saturday then with is abundance of pace and variety of skill, he will certainly be a huge threat on the right hand side.

Also, despite not knowing whether he is going to be fit, I feel SHAUN MALONEY will be a threat in the Centre of Midfield as he is full of experience and he is player that can change a game with a single pass or effort on goal.

SCORE PREDICTION;

SAINTS 3-0 Wigan;

I expect a highly contested game to start off with but I feel if Saints break the deadlock early then they will go on to win convincingly.

This is the 1^st Time Southampton and Wigan will meet in a competitive fixture.

COYR.