PL2 Preview: Saints vs Derby
Southampton’s B team host Derby County on Sunday at Snows Stadium, looking to build momentum in Premier League 2.
Saints B vs Derby County
Premier League 2
Snows Stadium
Sunday 21st February, 2pm GMT
A youthful Saints B team will be playing their third game since the new year in Premier League 2 this weekend, with the visit of Derby to Snows Stadium.
After a spirited performance ultimately ended in defeat at West Ham, Saints earned a hard-fought point at home to Tottenham last-time-out.
Sam Bellis gave Saints the lead on 52 minutes with a well stuck half volley, but the hosts were denied all three points via a cruelly deflected Will Ferry own goal nine minutes from time.
Derby will come into the game against Saints with plenty of confidence after a superb 2-1 victory at home to Chelsea.
Despite the Blues taking the lead on 37 minutes, a double through Cameron Cresswell ensured of all three points for County.
It was an experienced Derby County side which hosted Saints back at the end of October when the two sides last met.
The likes of Krystian Bielik and Jordan Ibe lined up for the hosts at the Derby County training ground, with the latter opening the scoring after just two minutes.
Despite the contrast between the two sides in terms of league experience, Saints responded well to going behind and levelled the scores on 28 minutes through Callum Slattery’s superb free-kick.
But Derby ensured of all three points during the second half through goals from Morgan Whittaker and Kornell MacDonald.
With a lot of change in terms of personnel due to players going up to the first team, Dave Horseman reflects on the fresh start since the new year.
“It’s been a really stop, start second half of the season for us,” he said, “But Sunday is a good opportunity for some under-18s to continue their run in the same due to the amount of players currently in the first-team group.
“Hopefully they can build upon the early positive performances and show an increased knowledge in our system.
“Derby are a good team who are well coached and are coming off the back of a great win against Chelsea in the week.
“They have played with three at the back recently which I expect they’ll continue with against us, so it’s a different challenge for the lads.
“Earlier in the season we made some poor decisions and the experience they played with on the day hurt us, so we’re looking to put that right.”
