Preview: Southampton vs. Sunderland

Southampton can secure two wins on the bounce if they overcome Sunderland at St Mary's this weekend.

Mauricio Pochettino's side were able to see off West Bromwich Albion in their opening fixture of the new Premier League season last weekend thanks to a late penalty from Rickie Lambert.

It was the perfect week for the striker, who welcomed his baby daughter into the world and scored from his first touch while making his debut for England.

This week, the forward is expected to line up against Sunderland, who struggled on their opening day of the campaign due to a 1-0 defeat to Fulham, despite a number of Paolo Di Canio's new signings impressing.

Jozy Altidore is expected to keep his starting spot up front, while Emanuele Giaccherini and Cabral could also retain their places in the side.

The home team could give new signing Pablo Osvaldo his debut alongside Lambert, while Victor Wanyama could keep his place in the side.

Recent form

Southampton: W

Sunderland: L

Possible starting lineups

Southampton: Boruc; Chambers, Fonte, Lovren, Shaw; Wanyama, Schneiderlin, Ward-Prowse, Lallana; Osvaldo, Lambert

Sunderland: Westwood, Celustka, Roberge, O'Shea, Colback, Giaccherini, Larsson, Cabral, Johnson, Sessegnon, Altidore

Sports Mole says: 2-1