Premier League preview: Norwich City v Southampton

7 March 2013 12:38

Southampton have the chance to move clear of the English Premier League relegation zone when they travel to Norwich City on Saturday.

Mauricio Pochettino's men suffered a shock 2-1 loss to Queens Park Rangers last time out, but remain three points clear of the drop zone.

Since the Argentine took over from Nigel Adkins in mid-January, Southampton have performed admirably, but need to start collecting points to ensure safety.

The loss to QPR and a draw at Wigan could come back to haunt them while they face Liverpool and Chelsea before another run of winnable games to start April.

If Southampton want to avoid the drop, much will depend on the form of star striker Rickie Lambert.

Lambert has struck four times in his past eight matches and he remains the top English goalscorer in the Premier League with 12.

If they want to get anything out of their trip to Carrow Road, improvement in defence will be the key.

No team has conceded more league goals away from home this campaign, with Southampton's 34 in 14 matches the worst record.

Chris Hughton's Norwich have been solid in front of their home fans, collecting 23 of a possible 42 points.

But with just one win in their past eight games in all competitions, hosting Southampton shapes as a danger game.

Goals have been tough to come by for Norwich, whose total of 27 in the league this season is the fourth lowest.

The goalscoring duties have been mostly shared between Grant Holt (five) and Anthony Pilkington and Robert Snodgrass (four each).

Andrew Surman (knee) is unlikely to be available, while Alexander Tettey could return and goalkeeper John Ruddy (hip) is closing in on his first appearance of the year.

For Southampton, captain Adam Lallana, who only recently returned from injury, came off in the first half against QPR after a head clash, while Danny Fox (quadriceps) is a chance to play.

Taking on a side who have battled to score goals could be just what Southampton need and they should be eyeing a huge chance to pull further clear of the bottom three.