Strachan waits on injured duo

Southampton manager Gordon Strachan will wait for fitness checks on striker Marian Pahars and midfielder Paul Telfer before naming his side to face Manchester City.

Pahars has been ruled out of the last two games by illness and an ankle problem while Telfer missed Saints’ 6-1 win against Tranmere in midweek with a bruised foot.

Striker Brett Ormerod is expected to keep his place after scoring a hat-trick against Tranmere while defender Paul Williams could resume his partnership with Claus Lundekvam at the centre of defence.

But Moroccan Tahar El Khalej is doubtful again with an Achilles strain while Ecuador striker Agustin Delgado is no closer to recovering from a torn calf muscle.

Team (from): Niemi, Dodd, M Svensson, Lundekvam, Bridge, Fernandes, Delap, A Svensson, Marsden, Ormerod, Beattie, Williams, Kanchelskis, Hall, Tessem, Oakley, El Khalej, Jones.