Saints take on Portsmouth in the third round of the Carabao Cup in what will be the first South Coast Derby in seven years.
Saints go into the game off the back of a 3-1 defeat to neighbours Bournemouth, but form will be irrelevant in what is such a big fixture for both clubs.
Portsmouth lost 1-0 to Wycombe Wanderers last time out, as pressure begins to heap on manager Kenny Jackett. However, he may be able to save his job with a derby win over the Saints.
There are some injury concerns for the visitors, with Moussa Djenepo ruled out and star Nathan Redmond also a doubt through injury also. However, there are no further worries ahead of the game for Saints.
For Pompey, Tom Naylor is a doubt and will undergo a fitness test on Tuesday. Marcus Harness is out through injury, while Ellis Harrison is absent after his red card against Wycombe.
Read Southampton’s Verdict
With Pompey struggling in League One, and Saints in the Premier League, there is only really one favourite. But in a derby, form and league position are irrelevant, and it is setting up to be a fiery fixture at Fratton Park.
I think Saints have more than enough to win, especially considering form, but nonetheless, it will be a difficult game for Saints.
Hopefully, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men have enough to push past Pompey with flying colours…
