Preview: Southampton vs. Norwich City - prediction, team news, lineups

Southampton and Norwich City meet in the Championship on Saturday having both come through their opening fixtures with hard-fought wins.

While the visitors had a free midweek, Southampton surprisingly lost to lower-league opposition in the EFL Cup.

Match preview

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Until the summer transfer window is closed, Russell Martin will have to deal with the cards that he is dealt regarding incomings and outgoings.

That is the case with James Ward-Prowse, who is on his way to West Ham United, while Romeo Lavia has been left out of the opening two fixtures in all competitions.

Although the Saints impressed in edging out Sheffield Wednesday last week, their subsequent 3-1 drubbing at the hands of Gillingham highlighted that they require considerable better strength in depth to last the pace in the Championship.

Their solitary goal in that EFL Cup tie came when they had already been outhustled by their League Two opponents, but a return to St Mary's could prove to be exactly what they need.

Supporters were not used to victories at their home ground during their Premier League relegation campaign, yet success on the South Coast will be imperative if they want to challenge for an immediate return.

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Norwich were in the same position as Southampton just 12 months ago, suffering relegation but being expected to cruise to a position in the top two of the second tier.

Instead, the Canaries finished in mid-table, representing a disastrous campaign, but there is optimism that David Wagner can spearhead a promotion push this time around.

After an undefeated pre-season, Norwich battled their way to a 2-1 triumph over Hull City on the opening weekend, netting at the end of each half to secure victory over the Tigers.

With their EFL Cup tie at Queens Park Rangers not scheduled until next week, Wagner has had a week to prepare his team ahead of what is, on paper, one of their toughest fixtures on the calendar.

Team News

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In their first game without the services of Ward-Prowse, Southampton boss Martin could bring in Shea Charles in his place.

Although Che Adams netted the winner at Hillsborough as a substitute, Adam Armstrong may retain his spot down the middle of the attack, providing that Southampton do not accept an offer from Ipswich Town for his services.

The remainder of the team should stay the same with none of the players selected against Gillingham giving Martin a reason to make an unforced change.

Wagner must decide whether to tinker with his midfield shape in order to cope with Southampton's passing game.

Marcelino Nunez could potentially replace Onel Hernandez, while Adam Idah may get the nod ahead of Ashley Barnes with a switch to two wingers not out of the question.

Southampton possible starting lineup:

Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Bednarek, Stephens, Manning; Smallbone, Charles, Alcaraz; Tella, A. Armstrong, Edozie

Norwich City possible starting lineup:

Gunn; Stacey, Duffy, Gibson, Giannoulis; McLean, Nunez, Sara; Sargent, Idah, Rowe

We say: Southampton 1-1 Norwich City

Well-rested from their opening-day victory, Norwich will be confident of prevailing for a second time in succession. However, despite lacking the presence of Ward-Prowse, we expect Southampton to do enough to earn a share of the spoils.

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