Tomorrow, Southampton will make their highly-anticipated return to St Mary’s Stadium as they welcome RCD Espanyol to the south coast for the first friendly back on home soil.
A lot has happened since the last time we all left the ground for last time of the 2015/16 season; a managerial change, the departures of some of our biggest assets and the signings of some great talent. But, now, they’re back and it’s time to get behind them once again.
In terms of team news, Claude Puel is expected to have a near fully-fit squad for the game against the Spaniards. Florin Gardos is still out with a back injury; there’s still no news on when the Romanian will be back to full fitness yet, though.
Matt Targett picked up a knock against FC Groningen so it is also unknown whether he’s back for the game. 
In last year’s game against Espanyol, the final score was 1-1. Jay Rodriguez scored a spectacular long ranger to equal the scoring out but, this year, the Saints will be looking to go on or two up that score line; going for the win and extending their unbeaten run in pre-season.
It’s expected that Southampton will put their near-best team out for the game. Both Jose Fonte and Cedric Soares are now back from their extended holiday after their Euro 2016 success but it will surely be to early for the two defenders to feature in tomorrow’s game, seeing as they only returned to Staplewood today.
Tomorrow’s game will be good European practice for the Europa League group stages after last years dismal attempt at the competition, being knocked out to FC Midtjylland.
Saints will be hopeful of making it four wins on the bounce and continuing their excellent winning habit.
