Chris Makin is still Town's main doubt ahead of Saturday's sell-out clash with Southampton. Makin has so far failed to overcome a foot injury and could miss only his second league game this season.

Town manager Goerge Burley said: "Chris Makin is a worry for Saturday's match. He picked up a knock on his foot four weeks ago and then got another one on the same foot in the friendly against Alania Vladikavkaz last weekend. He's a slight doubt for the game and we'll have another look at him tomorrow."

If he misses out then there could be a recall for Gary Croft or Jermaine Wright could find himself in a less familiar right-back role. Wright has moved to that position on a number of occasions this season.

George Burley has confirmed that Sixto Peralta will be missing due to his thigh injury while Marcus Bent, Alun Armstrong and Mark Venus are all over their knocks.

TWTD has learnt that Marcus Bent and Marcus Stewart will start up front, while George Burley has already confirmed Jim Magilton's place in the centre of midfield and Titus Bramble's at the back. John McGreal is missing as he is suspended after reaching five bookings.

Southampton will be without Jason Dodd who has a tear to his lateral medial ligament. The Saints have a number of their strikers on the mend with Marian Pahars hopeful of making it after injuring his groin against Bolton last week.

James Beattie, out with an ankle injury of late, is now suffering with a calf problem, but is likely to play some part in Saturday's game.

Kevin Davies, back from suspension, and Brett Ormerod, just back from a knee injury, are also in with a chance of a start.

One man they are without is Agustin Delgado who is back in Ecuador with a knee injury.

Saturday's referee is Mark Halsey, the man who took charge of Town's first play-off semi-finals with Bolton in 1998/99.

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