Preview - Saints v Ipswich

George Burley takes on his old side Ipswich at St Mary's today.

Marian Pahars makes his return to first team action, but will probably start on the bench as he's way short of match fitness. Hopefully he can make it back this time and provide much needed cover up front, after the sale of some young kid to Arsenal yesterday.

Saints injury problems have improved recently, the only players remaining on the treatment table are Michael Svensson with his long term knee injury and reserve keeper Michael Poke, who sustained a wrist injury this week. Young Polish signing Bartosz Bialkowski will provide cover for Paul Smith.

Darren Kenton and Chris Baird should both return in defence.

The pacey winger will be out to replace the departing Walcott as Saints dangerman.

Ipswich strikers Nicky Forster are top scorer Sam Parkin are both out injured.

Scored a quality free kick in the 1-1 draw against Sheffield Utd last week.

When Saints met Ipswich at Portman Road last September the match finished 2-2, Saints went behind twice in the match even though we'd been the better team throughout.

The last meeting at Southampton was in our first season at St Mary's in November 2001. It was Gordon Strachan's first game in charge and ended 3-3 after Saints squandered a 3-1 lead.

Ipswich Midfielder Jim Magilton played 124 times for Saints and has made 227 league appearances for The Tractor Boys.

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