Saints v Birmingham preview

Both teams expected to make changes for cup tie

Last updated: 25th August 2008

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Holmes: Fitness worry

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Southampton are to give fitness tests to two players ahead of the Carling Cup second round tie with Birmingham City, who are sweating on Garry O'Connor.

Lee Holmes and Lloyd James both picked up knocks in Saturday's win at Derby and are doubtful to face Blues at St Mary's.

Stern John and Jack Cork could come into the starting line-up, while Bartosz Bialkowski should get the nod in goal in place of regular No.1 Kelvin Davis.

Captain Michael Svensson will rest his knee so Cork, Paul Wotton, Ollie Lancashire or Wayne Thomas will deputise at centre-half alongside Chris Perry.

Birmingham news

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish will make a late decision on the fitness of O'Connor, who suffered a dead leg against Barnsley on Saturday.

McLeish is optimistic O'Connor will be fit for the trip to the South Coast saying: "I am sure dead legs don't keep players out for too long and I would like to think Garry will be okay because our numbers are depleting."

Stuart Parnaby is certain to miss out after suffering suspected concussion in the Barnsley game, with Stephen Kelly set to come in at right-back.

Mehdi Nafti remains sidelined with a slight hamstring tear, while Cameron Jerome is also out for around three weeks with a torn thigh muscle.