Svensson set for Saints return

Swedish midfielder Anders Svensson will return to Southampton’s squad for the clash with Barclays Premiership champions Arsenal at the St Mary’s Stadium.

The 28-year-old is fit again after recovering from a virus which forced him to miss the last two draws against Brentford and West Brom.

Paul Smith is expected to continue in goal with first choice Antti Niemi still not fully fit after a knee operation while winger Fabrice Fernandes again misses out because of an ankle problem.

Team (from): Smith, Delap, Lundekvam, Jakobsson, Bernard, Prutton, Redknapp, Quashie, Le Saux, Camara, Crouch, Phillips, Telfer, Davenport, A Svensson, Poke.