Predicted Southampton line up- Stekelenberg; Cedric, Fonte, Caulker, Targett; Davis, Romeu; Rodriguez, Tadic, Mane; Pelle.
Predicted Norwich line up- Ruddy; Whittaker, Martin, Bassong, Brady; Tettey, Dorrans, Howson; Redmond, Hoolahan; Jerome.
Three players to watch out for-
Nathan Redmond- As a Norwich fan I have seen Nathan Redmond progress from a hot prospect with no end product to a mature winger who scores and assists goals. The Norwich forward has already scored twice this season and had the second joint most assists in the Championship last season. Matt Targett is going to have his hands full down the left hand side trying to contain his England under 21 team-mate with his pace and trickery.
Wes Hoolahan- Wes Hoolahan already has three Premier League assists in the opening three games of the season and was named in the Football League team of the decade earlier this year. He is likely to play in the ‘number 10’ role behind Cameron Jerome and get into pockets of space between the midfield and defence so that he can play killer passes. Steven Davis and Oriol Romeu, or whoever else is playing in the central midfield position, will have to make sure they keep tight to Hoolahan and not let him pick out passes.
Robbie Brady- Robbie Brady has been Norwich’s most expensive purchase this summer after a long pursuit of the Ireland international ended in a fee of around £7m being paid for his services from Hull City. He has been filling in at left-back so far this season for Norwich due to an injury to Martin Olsson. A position that he is more than likely to play again come Sunday. He is Norwich’s free kick and corner taker and will test the Saints defence constantly with his deliveries into the box.
Head to Head stats- The last 10 meeting between the two sides have resulted in 4 Southampton wins, 2 Norwich wins and 4 draws. The last four meetings have been in the Premier League and have resulted in 2 draws and a win a piece for Norwich and Southampton. Suggesting that the sides have been fairly equal in recent years.
Prediction- I think that the game is going to be very close, Saints could be tired after their Europa League tie last on Thursday and the early kick off Sunday may not help. I am predicting a 2-2 draw. Pelle with both for the Saints and Redmond and Dorrans with the goals for Norwich.
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