Southampton will look to move closer to automatic promotion when they host Preston North End. The two teams square up for the first time since their 2-2 draw at Deepdale in October. The Saints needed an own goal from Ched Evans in the 96th minute to earn a point.
Preview (Southampton vs. Preston North End)
Southampton looked certain to lose again last Saturday at St Andrew’s, trailing 2-1 at halftime against Birmingham City, after losing three straight games in all competitions over eight days. But the Saints flipped the exciting game on its head, using Birmingham’s Dion Sanderson’s dismissal to their advantage to win 4-3, with substitute Joe Aribo scoring a sensational winner in the 96th minute. Russell Martin was happy with his team’s comeback to secure a victory that would boost morale. He wants Southampton to drastically improve defensively after giving up 10 goals in their previous four games. It includes “three rubbish goals” against Birmingham.
Southampton is still five points behind Ipswich Town in second place in the Championship table. They sit eight points behind leaders Leicester City, who have lost their previous three league games. However, a title challenge cannot be written off just yet. Southampton comes into Wednesday’s game unbeaten in their last three meetings with Preston. They won their last home game 3-1 back in February 2009. They have lost their last two league games at St Mary’s, tho
Preston has gone seven games without losing in the Championship since suffering a 2-1 loss to Leeds United at the end of January, which has bolstered their chances of finishing in the top six in the second division for the first time since 2008–09. After winning 3-0 at Coventry City, the Lilywhites played a goalless draw at Deepdale against Hull City. They are currently in sixth place in the league. As a result, they are currently in eighth position in the table, three points out of the playoffs.
Team News
Due to injuries, Southampton is still without their quintet of Juan Larios (hamstring), Ryan Fraser (knee), Ross Stewart (both muscles), and Kyle Walker-Peters. In Walker-Peters’ absence, Taylor Harwood-Bellis might be assigned to play right-back once more. He joined Ryan Manning, Jan Bednarek, and Jack Stephens in a four-man defense. Aribo, who scored the game-winning goal the previous time out, is expected to start in midfield ahead of Stuart Armstrong or Will Smallbone, with David Brooks, Che Adams, and Adam Armstrong forming the front three.
Alan Browne might play as Preston’s stand-in right wing-back since Kenan Best is doubtful due to an ankle injury and Brad Potts is still out with a hamstring ailment. With midfielders Ben Whiteman and Ali McCann positioned to play right behind number 10 Mads Frokjaer-Jensen, Lowe is unlikely to make much, if any, changes to his starting lineup. Top scorer Keane, who has 12 goals this season, leads the line with Emil Riis Jakobsen.
Southampton 2-1 Preston North End
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