EPL stats preview: Matchweek 2 - Southampton vs Sunderland

Mauricio Pochettino, manager of Southampton talks with the fourth official during the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Southampton at the Stadium of Light on May 12, 2013 in Sunderland, England

Southampton takes on Sunderland at St. Mary’s Stadium on Saturday in a battle of two young, fiery, ambitious managers on England’s South coast.

The home side, under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino, got their season off to the best possible start they defeated West Bromwich Albion 1-0 away from home on the opening day.

Star striker Rickie Lambert scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot, as the Saints clinched all three points after a dominating display against the listless Baggies.

On the other hand, the story was totally opposite for Sunderland as they suffered a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Fulham at the Stadium of Light. Their temperamental Italian manager Paolo Di Canio was not too impressed with his side and will expect a strong response in Week 2.

Let’s have a look at what stats have to offer for Southampton vs Sunderland

- Sunderland won this fixture 1-0 last season in the first meeting between these two clubs in the Premier League in 10 years.

- Sunderland have lost 6 of their last 7 away matches in the Premier League.

- Manager Paolo Di Canio has lost half of his eight matches in charge and won just two while the other two have been drawn matches.

- Sunderland have won four of their last six trips to Southampton.

- Southampton are aiming to avoid a third straight defeat at the hands of Sunderland at St Mary’s Stadium.

- Southampton have scored just three goals in their last six Premier League matches.

- No English player has scored more Premier League goals than Ricky Lambert, 16, since the start of the 2012-13 season.

- By selecting Luke Shaw, Calum Chambers and James Ward-Prowse against West Brom last weekend, Southampton became the first club since the Premier League started in 1992 to include three players aged 18 or under in their starting XI.