Southampton have received a relatively lightweight Carabao Cup challenger but their nearly silent venue can spoil the Saints confidence there.
Like every year, the regular transfer noises and preseason gossip have dimmed the focus from the Carabao Cup and it's become a well-known pattern now. Even though there have been attempts to draw wider excitement and concerns for Southampton fans but the Saints are never in the mood to switch to a stressful mood as early as July.
That too, in a competition where they are almost guaranteed to begin the kick-off whistle as matchday favourites every time until the turn of the year.
Yes, tough draws in the initial rounds may dampen the morale otherwise Southampton will be fine as long as they don't put up a lethargic Gillingham-like display.
Saints need dream scoring start against Northampton Town
To date, that defeat sticks out as a sore thumb but the Football League World has cautioned the Saints to beware of another such evening in the making. Using the AI, they compiled a less-enthusiastic stadiums chart where Northampton Town finished one place below Gillingham.
Noticed, something? This time, Southampton have a Northampton Town test waiting in store for them.
Now, not to underestimate the hosts but Will Still's men have enough calibre in their squad to round off a comfortable victory but lacklustre crowds always affect the momentum. Plus, should the Saints go behind at half-time, then it can become an unbelievable chaos to manage.
There are lineup dilemmas about keeping a clean bill of health or rushing to substitute in star players, even risking injuries to claim progression from the round. Further, the roster isn't tactically drilled enough to play according to every starter's strengths and thus, scoring goals becomes a daunting task in the first few months.
If Still can ace these headaches brilliantly, great, else Southampton fans must be prepared for a lengthy ninety minutes ahead.