Preview: Southampton v Leyton Orient

The O’s will be looking to get their first league points on the board as they prepare for a difficult trip down South to play Southampton.

Leyton Orient’s Russell Slade

‘I feel as though we’ve been a little unfortunate, but we can’t go through the season feeling sorry for ourselves because we’re unlucky – I don’t believe in that.’

‘It’s a work in progress and we have to be positive. If we remain that way I’m sure three points are around the corner.’

Southampton Team News:

The big news for all Saints fans is that Rickie Lambert is due to make his return to the starting line-up this weekend after recovering from injury.

He will definetely be involved whether he starts or comes off of the bench.

Player to watch: Rickie Lambert

Scores bags and bags of goals at this level and has historically done well against the O’s.

Lambert is a big and strong striker who can either hold the ball up for others or drop off the front to get involved in the play.

Leyton Orient Team News:

Charlie Daniels looks likely to start at left back after having 90 minutes for the O’s reserves during mid-week.

Daniels will be welcomed back into an unsure Orient defence. He could play to the left of midfield with Mike Cestor in defence as the O’s desperately need to create more width.

Player to watch: Stephen Dawson

The O’s skipper was one of the few players to come out of the defeat with Charlton having gained any credit.

The O’s will need him to run around the pitch like a mad man as he normally does. He will be crucial on both wings as well as winning the ball back in the middle.

Match Facts & Stats

Orient lost this fixture last season by a single goal and managed only a point when the two teams met at Brisbane Road.

However, the O’s have done pretty well on the road against other big sides during the last few seasons. They will be looking to make sure that the -3 goal difference does not get an worse.

Match Prediction:

This could be a match where the O’s will have to adopt a smash and grab approach. The club have not signed the additional wide player that is needed this week and that could tell over the course of the game.

If the O’s are going to steal a win then it will be by a single goal and maybe a 1-0. However, a draw in the region of 1-1 looks the most optimistic result we can hope for.