In an eagerly awaited matchup, Southampton will face Preston North End at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday, November 1st at 3 PM GMT. This Championship clash is critical for both teams, marking a return to home ground for the Saints.
Match Details
The upcoming match features the following:
- Home Team: Southampton
- Away Team: Preston North End
- Venue: St Mary’s Stadium
- Date: Saturday, November 1
- Kick-off time: 3 PM GMT
Officials
The officiating team for this match includes:
- Referee: Matthew Donohue
- Assistants: Jacob Graham, Carl Fitch-Jackson
- Fourth Official: Gavin Ward
Team Kits
Southampton will don their traditional red and white stripes, complemented by black shorts and white socks. In contrast, Preston will wear their blue and fluorescent yellow away kit for the match.
Tickets and Coverage
Limited tickets are still available for fans, starting at £20 for adults and £10 for those under 18. Discounts are offered for Saints members. For those who cannot attend, a match pass can be purchased for £10 to watch the game live.
What’s at Stake?
After enduring two consecutive defeats, Southampton is looking to regain their confidence with a victory against Preston, who are currently chasing a playoff position. The Saints are positioned at 20th in the league and urgently need a win to uplift their standings, while Preston arrives after a recent triumph over Sheffield United.
Injury Updates
Southampton’s squad faces several injury concerns:
- Shea Charles: Out for 6-7 weeks due to a hamstring injury.
- Ross Stewart: Longer-term injury absence.
- Cameron Archer: Doubtful due to a knock.
- Flynn Downes: Likely unavailable after a knee injury during training.
- Sam Edozie: Ankle injury; sidelined for several weeks.
- Welington: Serving a three-match suspension.
Managers’ Remarks
Will Still emphasized the need for the entire club to rally and fight back against adversity. He insists that they must take ownership of their performance to turn the tide of their season. On the other hand, Paul Heckingbottom of Preston believes the team should capitalize on their potential and transform solid performances into victories.
Key Players to Watch
For Southampton, Leo Scienza stands out as he’s in superb form after scoring his first goal last week. Thierry Small, on loan from Charlton, will also be key for Preston, especially considering his past connection with Southampton.
Recent Form
Here’s a brief look at each team’s recent performance:
| Team | Recent Matches |
|---|---|
| Southampton |
L 1-2 vs Blackburn L 1-3 vs Bristol City D 0-0 vs Swansea D 1-1 vs Derby W 2-1 vs Sheffield United |
| Preston |
W 3-2 vs Sheffield United L 0-1 vs Birmingham L 1-2 vs West Brom W 2-0 vs Charlton D 2-2 vs Hull |
Head-to-Head Record
The historical meetings between Southampton and Preston have shown a competitive rivalry:
- Total Matches Played: 44
- Southampton Wins: 16
- Preston Wins: 14
- Draws: 14
The last five encounters have produced exciting results, including a recent 3-0 victory for Southampton in April 2024. As they prepare for this thrilling encounter, both teams hope to secure vital points and build momentum in their respective campaigns.
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