Sunderland under-23s will be aiming to end Southampton’s unbeaten start to the Premier League 2 campaign but Andy Welsh has erred on the side of caution.
Saints visit Wearside this Sunday with a 100% record so far this season following two wins in as many games.
With a comprehensive 2-0 victory over current champions Manchester United in their last match, Southampton head to the north east full of confidence as they aim to stretch their unbeaten run further.
Speaking to safc.com ahead of Sunday’s game Welsh praised the Saints’ youth system and admitted his side are in for a tough encounter.
“They have got some very good players and you can see how well they are playing just by the start they have made,” he said.
“They have a great youth system and over the years they have produced some wonderful players who have gone into their first-team squad.
“We know they are going to come here and make it incredibly tough but hopefully we can show the same kind of resilience we showed in our win on Monday night."
He continued: “We limited a very strong Leicester team to few chances and I thought we were excellent in possession as well as out of it. That will be important for us again on Sunday.”
Match info
Fixture: Sunderland U23s v Southampton U23s
Ground: Eppleton Colliery Welfare
Date and kick-off: Sunday 28 August, kick-off 1pm
Entry: General admission for the game is priced at £3 for adults and £1 for over 65s and under 16s while 2016-17 season card holders can gain free entry.
All tickets are sold subject to ground regulations.
