Filed under: Leeds, Championship, Football, Match Previews, Southampton
CHAMPIONSHIP: ST MARY'S STADIUM, SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2011. KICK-OFF: 1720 BSTPromotion last season brought an end to a spell in the unfamiliar surroundings of League One for Southampton, just as it had for Leeds twelve months previously.
Now back in the second tier, Saints will be anxious to emulate the success of their opening day opponents who wasted no time in re-establishing themselves last season and were unfortunate to miss out on a play-off position.
Anything more may be asking too much but the experience of Norwich last season has given every side in the Championship hope.
Expectations, then, are high on the south coast and partly bolstered by the club's successso far in holding onto Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - doubtful for this game - the teenage midfielder linked repeatedly with Arsenal last season.
Last season's performances have also encouraged Leeds supporters to believe a return to the top flight after a traumatic period in the club's history is also imminent.
Simon Grayson's first task this season is to help his team overcome the shock of last season's late decline but the manager has shown himself an adept operator at this level and will be anxious for a notable away victory to help set the tone.
Key match-up: Jack Cork v Michael Brown: A fiery reception awaits former Portsmouth midfielder Brown and Cork will have to be at his best if he is to win his battle with the veteran.
Form Guide: Southampton failed to win in four pre-season friendlies but recorded three draws including a 2-2 stalemate With west Bromwich Albion.
Odds: Southampton 5/4, Leeds 11/5, draw 12/5
SOUTHAMPTON:
The volatile nature of the Championship in recent seasons means the fear factor has disappeared for teams coming up and Dan Harding reflected Southampton's confidence ahead of the meeting with his former club.
The full back believes the game will provide a clear indication of where Nigel Adkins' side stands in relation to their main rivals although any early season signs should inevitably be treated with caution.
"We believe we will be able to compete against the best teams in this league, and Leeds United will provide the yardstick as to how far we've come," Harding told the club's official website.
"Team spirit is second to none. This is a big game against one of the biggest teams in the Championship and although we know it's going to be tough, it's what we're here for, what we've been striving for, for the last two seasons."
After signing off last season with six consecutive league wins, an opening day victory will deliver a club record seventh, although Adkins is unlikely to welcome the additional burden of creating history being placed on his players' shoulders.
Strategy: Backed by vociferous full houses, Southampton's home form will be key their chances of success this season and could help propel them into the play-offs. Adkins' side were impressive going forward when they worked up a head of steam last season. This is the time to adopt a cagey approach and Leeds can expect to face a high tempo onslaught.
Injury news: Oxlade-Chamberlain is doubtful after picking up an ankle injury in the friendly with West Bromwich Albion last week.
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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/08/05/southampton-v-leeds-preview-nigel-adkins-saints-ready-to-make/
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