Southampton v Coventry Preview

Posted on | October 27, 2008 | No Comments

It wasn’t so long ago that both of these sides were established Premier League outfits yet over time, it’s all gone horribly wrong. Both have experienced financial difficulties although currently, it’s Southampton who are in the worst position both on and off the field.

Saints were in the midst of some good form a few weeks ago although recently results have worsened and they now find themselves rooted in the relegation zone, albeit on goal difference. It was always going to be a risk from the St Mary’s board appointing a foreign manager with no track record in this league and while Jan Poortvliet seems to be encouraging the right principles, it’s fair to say that things certainly aren’t working out. Saints seem to be leaking goals left, right and centre, with heavy defeats to Coventry, Watford and Swansea all occurring in recent weeks. Although they now face the Sky Blues on their home turf, after getting thumped 4-1 by them only a few weeks ago the odds will still be stacked against them and they’ll need to show a drastic improvement. The fact that they hold a disastrous goal difference of -10 speaks volumes and Poortvliet needs to make some major changes if his side are going to avoid the drop this term.

As for Coventry, it’s been a steady decline over the past few weeks for Chris Coleman’s men. That comprehensive victory over Southampton a few weeks ago has been the shining part of a dismal month or so for Coleman, who’s seen his side pick up just five points in their last six games. Considering the fact they were up in the play offs near the start of the season, there’s no doubt that the Sky Blues faithful will be disappointed with how this campaign is shaping up. Even though they only narrowly avoided relegation last term, Coleman brought in some real quality over the summer yet very few of his signings have made a mark yet. With the Ricoh Arena side now in 16th position just four points away from the relegation places, they are another side that needs to show drastic improvement.

Jan Poortvliet must be getting sick and tired of youngster Olly Lancashire with the defender missing another game through suspension. The 19-year-old has only made six career starts yet already has two red cards to his name and will serve another game of his ban on Tuesday. As for Coventry, Leon McKenzie will miss out again with a thigh injury, although Chris Coleman is likely to change things anyway with Clinton Morrison and Jay Tabb both in with a shout of starting.

Coventry have only won once away all season yet Southampton are in dire form as well – so it’s a hard one to predict. We’ll have to go for the draw, which will be a result that neither side would really favor.

Related posts:

1. Coventry v Southampton Preview
2. Birmingham v Southampton Preview
3. Southampton v Wolves Preview
4. Blackpool v Southampton Preview
5. Southampton v Birmingham Preview

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