Preview: Town Vs Southampton |
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Author: Sean Makin
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Date: Friday, 14th August 2009
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Southampton are the visitors to the Galpharm Stadium tomorrow in surely what will be a tough test for Lee Clark’s men.
Town are fresh from their convincing 3-1 win over Stockport County on Tuesday night in the Carling Cup, Jordan Rhodes struck twice with substitute Theo Robinson grabbing the third. It has given boss Lee Clark a tough task of picking the front two for tomorrow’s game as Robinson, Rhodes, Lee Novak and Robbie Simpson all impressed on Tuesday night.
The Saints have started the season with -10 points but things could be looking up for them as Swiss businessman Markus Leibherr has taken over as Chairman at the club and is not short of a bob or two. Leibherr’s first act as the owner of Southampton was to install the former West Ham boss Alan Pardew as manager.
Live on Sky Sports last week, the Saints drew with last years play-off finalists Millwall 1-1 at Saint Mary’s last Saturday.
Before Leibherr took over as Chairman, the Southampton team that was relegated from the Championship in May, was dismantled. Top scorer David McGoldrick left for Notts Forest for £1million, Highly-rated Andy Surman went to Wolves for £1.2 million, Nathan Dyer completed a £400,000 move to Swansea, Stern John left to Crystal Palace on a free, Jason Euell and Bradley Wright-Phillips were released by the club but have since joined Blackpool and Plymouth Argyle respectively.
As Pardew rebuilds the Saints’ squad, in came Dan Harding on a free from Ipswich, experienced former Reading captain Graeme Murty came in on a free but Pardew decided to splash out £1million on Bristol Rovers striker Rickie Lambert. Last season’s League One top scorer was once a target for Town but chairman Dean Hoyle said that the asking price was too much for 27-year old lower league journeyman. Although I do think Lambert is a very good player I’m with the view of Dean Hoyle. Lambert did score on his debut for the Saints, grabbing the first of a 2-0 win over Southampton.
Team News
Town
Michael Collins is suspended after being sent off in the 2-2 draw last Saturday at Southend. Jim Goodwin is still out, recovering from knee surgery. Tom Clarke could line up with Antony Kay in the Town midfield after a good display against Stockport.
Jordon Rhodes should be in attack leading the line after 3 goals in 2 games since joining from Ipswich Town.
Southampton
Wantaway striker Grzegorz Rasiak could be in line for shock recall to the team. The Polish international has been struggling with injury but has expressed his desire of leaving Southampton.
Experienced defender Chris Perry is expected to be recalled to the heart of the defence after being rested for the midweek Carling Cup match.
Sean’s One To Watch - Morgan Schneiderlin while everyone else seems to be putting Rickie Lambert as the one to watch, I’m putting this young French midfielder. The 19-year old midfielder has an eye for goal, comfortable on the ball and has a great passing ability.
Prediction
Going to be a tough test for Town but we strikers who can actually score goals this season. I think a 2-1 win to Town is realistic, with Anthony Pilkington and Antony Kay grabbing the goals.
Match Preview brought to you by,
Sean Makin, www.Terrier-Bytes.com
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