The home side comes into this game desperately trying to find form that has elluded them for the opening weeks of the 2015-16 campaign, while Norwich merely want to maintain the form that sees them sitting eighth in the league.
Two draws and a loss see the Saints sitting in 18th on the table, having not managed to score a goal since their opening round clash with Newcastle at St James’ Park. ‘Far from satisfactory’ has been the phrase to describe Southampton’s performances so far, well below what was expected of a side with such lofty ambitions.
The South Coast club no longer has the distraction of Europa League football to deal with, having failed to win their way through to the group stages of the competition. This is a favourable outcome to many who have said that they lacked the squad depth to compete in both for the season, citing the poor showings so far this campaign as proof.
Norwich City, on the other hand, have quietly impressed in their start to 2015-16, putting in some very positive performances. After being beaten comfortably in the first game of the season 3-1 by Crystal Palace, the Canaries bounced back with a 3-1 win of their own against Sunderland followed by 1-1 draw with Stoke City last week.
With goals often a commodity for newly promoted teams, five in the opening three games bodes well. With defence equally as important, the Canaries will hope to better a rate of five goals conceded in three games.
Key Battle – Nathan Redmond vs Matt Targett
One of the most exciting talents in the Norwich squad so far this season has been 21-year-old Nathan Redmond. He has already scored twice and registered an assist in the opening three games. He will most likely match up against fellow youngster Matt Targett, who continues to fill in at the left-back position for Southampton whilst first choice Ryan Bertrand is out with injury.
Targett has coped well enough with what has been thrown at him so far, appearing reasonably comfortable. Yet the quick turnaround from the midweek fixture compounded by rumours of illness make the task look all the more difficult. The pace and dribbling ability of Redmond makes him tough to keep up with and his propensity for creativity around the 18-yard box a difficult task to defend against. Targett will have to be at the very top of his game to quell the influence of the in-form Redmond.
Team News
Sadio Mané and Victor Wanyama both appear likely to return to the Saints squad despite not having travelled to Denmark midweek. Mané was excluded due to injury whereas rumours of Wanyama’s discontent with not being allowed to leave to join Premier League rivals Tottenham grow ever more prominent.
Southampton Expected XI (4-2-3-1): Stekelenburg (GK); Targett, Caulker, Fonte (C), Cédric; Romeu, Wanyama; Mane, Davis, Tadić; Pellè.
Lewis Grabban will be excluded from the Norwich squad due to a club-imposed suspension. The striker left the team hotel before the League Cup game against Rotherham midweek despite being named on the bench for the game.
Norwich City Expected XI (4-2-3-1): Ruddy (GK); Bassong, Martin (C), Brady, Whittaker; Howson, Tettey; Dorrans, Jerome, Redmond; Hoolahan.
Head-to-Head
A total of 51 previous meetings between the two sides have things sitting tight with the Saints holding a slight advantage, winning 19 to the Canaries’ 17 with a remaining 15 as draws.
Previous Meeting
The last time these two sides met saw a 4-2 win to Southampton at St. Mary’s in the 2013-14 season. Goals for Southampton came from Morgan Schneiderlin, Rickie Lambert, Jay Rodriguez and Sam Gallagher with Johan Elmander and Robert Snodgrass grabbing a pair for the Canaries.
Prediction
After a disappointing Europa League campaign, the Saints will be looking to get their Premier League campaign back on track but the quick turnaround may see them struggle to find the motivation needed before this game.
An eager Norwich team will look to bring the game to a tired Saints lineup and may provide enough pressure and talent to overcome the home side.
Southampton 1 Norwich City 2
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