Argyle v Saints. Match preview

Last updated : 28 December 2008 By Paul Stevens

Fallon missed the 2-0 defeat at Barnsley through a one-match ban after receiving five cautions but could come back into the starting line-up after the Pilgrims drew a blank at Oakwell.

Sturrock - who ended his first spell at Home Park to take over at Southampton in 2004 - is also hoping that skipper Karl Duguid (calf) will pass a late fitness test and come back into contention.

Duguid's return would be a timely one as Simon Walton begins a three-match ban after being sent off against the Tykes - a dismissal which has led to the 21-year-old being placed on the transfer list by Sturrock.

Argyle could also be boosted by the return of striker Emile Mpenza, who is due to train ahead of the clash after regaining his fitness following a hamstring injury.

And winger Jason Puncheon could also come into contention for the clash after being recalled from his loan spell at MK Dons.

Southampton head coach Jan Poortvliet will be without midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin once again.

Schneiderlin missed the 2-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest after suffering a recurrence of a hamstring injury and will remain on the sidelines.

Winger Lee Holmes has resumed training after recovering from the knee ligament injury which has kept him out since September and is pushing for a return to the squad.

Fellow midfielder Anthony Pulis has returned for the reserves after a spell out with a broken foot and could be involved.

Former Arsenal trainee Ryan Smith could also be included after recovering from a shoulder injury.

Skipper Michael Svensson (Achilles) and fellow defender Wayne Thomas (knee) remain on the sidelines.

Sporting Life