PREVIEW | Newport County AFC vs Southampton
Newport County AFC make their long-awaited home return this week, with Premier League Southampton the side to welcome the Amber Army back to Rodney Parade on Wednesday.
The Exiles have enjoyed a positive start to the season after four tough away games, while the Saints picked up their first point of the new campaign against Manchester United on Sunday.
THE OPPOSITION - SOUTHAMPTON
Southampton have become an established Premier League team in recent seasons, with this now being their ninth consecutive season in the top flight.
The Saints began their season with an away trip to Everton fell to a 3-1 defeat in a game that saw new signing Adam Armstrong score on his debut for the club.
Their first point of the new season was secured last weekend with a 1-1 with Manchester United. Che Adams was the scorer this time, with their new strike partnership looking already impressive.
County side will again be led by assistant manager Wayne Hatswell in the absence of manager Michael Flynn, who tested positive for Covid last week. Hatswell was without Mickey Demetriou and Matty Dolan on the weekend, but the latter could return against the Saints.
Southampton look to have a fully fit squad at their disposal for their visit to Rodney Parade with no injuries or suspensions for Ralph Hasenhüttl to worry about.
ONE TO WATCH - MICHAEL OBAFEMI
Ralph Hasenhüttl may take the opportunity to rest strikeforce Adams and Armstrong, which could see Michael Obafemi get the nod.
The 21-year-old has played all of his senior football with Southampton after making his debut for the Saints aged just 17 in a draw with Tottenham. He's also found the back of the net at Stamford Bridge, the London Stadium and Old Trafford.
IN THE HOT SEAT - RALPH HASENHÜTTL
Ralph Hasenhüttl has been in charge at St Mary's since December 2018 when he succeeded Mark Hughes.
The Austrian's time with the Saints has had its ups and downs to say the least, but he has managed to secure their Premier League status in each of his seasons in charge.
Before joining the Premier League, the 54-year-old managed Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig, who he guided to a second-placed finish in 2017.
LAST MEETING
The last time a County side played against Southampton was all the way back in 1968 in an FA Cup third-round replay at Somerton Park.
County, who were then a fourth division side, had fought for a draw at the Dell against a Saints side who were in Division One, and brought them back to Somerton Park.
Len Hill and Alan Williams scored for County in front of 17,600 people, but the Exiles eventually lost 3-2 in south Wales.
Newport County vs Southampton on 25 Aug 21