Preview: Southampton vs. Leicester City

Southampton and Leicester City are in contrasting form as they head into their first Premier League fixture in over a decade on Saturday afternoon.

These two last met in the top flight in the 2003-04 season, when both games were drawn, but recent results indicate only one winner at St Mary's Stadium.

The Saints' 1-0 victory over Hull City last weekend was their 10th win in their last 11 matches in all competitions, and kept them second in the table, four points behind Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Leicester are at the opposite end of the form guide following their 1-0 home defeat to West Bromwich Albion, which stretched their winless run to five games and took them into the relegation zone.

The Foxes have not tasted victory since their famous 5-3 triumph over Manchester United and Esteban Cambiasso's unfortunate own goal against the Baggies was an indication of how things aren't going their way.

Nigel Pearson cannot take any solace in their away form either, ahead of their trip to the South Coast, with his side having scored just once in losing four out of five games on their travels this campaign.

The provider of that solitary strike - Leonardo Ulloa - should be recalled from the bench to the Foxes attack and could have Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez for company if Pearson chops and changes again.

David Nugent and Matty James could be axed after failing to impress, but Marcin Wasilewski may keep Liam Moore out of the team in central defence after putting in a good showing on his first Premier League start.

The experience of former England international Matthew Upson is still missing from the Foxes backline, but Pearson revealed this week that he hopes to have the 35-year-old available before Christmas.

Team selection has proved rather easy for Ronald Koeman in recent weeks. Fraser Forster, Nathaniel Clyne, Jose Fonte, Ryan Bertrand, Morgan Schneiderlin, Dusan Tadic and Graziano Pelle have started every game this term.

This stability is one of the reasons why the Saints have conceded half as many goals as anybody else in the division (five), although the Dutchman may plump for Saido Mane rather than Shane Long in attack for the visit of the Midlanders. Jay Rodriguez, James Ward-Prowse and Sam Gallagher remain unavailable.

There has not been a draw between these sides since a Championship stalemate in November 2005.

Recent form

Southampton: WWWWLW

Leicester: LLLDLW

Possible starting lineups

Southampton: Forster; Clyne, Fonte, Alderweireld, Bertrand; Wanyama, Schneiderlin, Davis; Tadic, Mane, Pelle

Leicester: Schmeichel; De Laet, Wasilewski, Morgan, Konckesky; Drinkwater, Cambiasso, King; Mahrez, Ulloa, Vardy

Sports Mole says: 3-0