Saints are hoping to extend one of their finest home records when they take on Fulham at St Mary’s on Sunday.

Nigel Adkins’ team are desperate for another home victory to go alongside their 4-1 demolition of Aston Villa as they aim to go into the next international break with six points on the board.

To do that they have to get past Martin Jol’s Fulham side – but the omens are very good.

Saints have amassed a quite remarkable home record against the Cottagers down the years, losing just once in 27 league meetings on the south coast – and that in the pre-war era.

It was 1935 the last time Fulham actually beat Saints on their own patch and Adkins and his team will certainly be aiming to extend that run still further.

An even better omen for the three points is that of the 27 meetings, Saints have actually won 19 and drawn just seven.

As he prepares for the game Adkins has some major decisions to make with his team.

He tinkered with the side that defeated Villa and saw the team lose 3-1 at Everton last weekend.

Among his biggest dilemmas is whether to stick with Paulo Gazzaniga in goal, draft in new signing Artur Boruc or recall Kelvin Davis.

In the centre half department Adkins partnered Maya Yoshida with Jose Fonte at Goodison Park but Jos Hooiveld is now considered fully fit and is hoping for a recall.

In the left back slot Danny Fox should be available but at Everton it was Nathaniel Clyne moved across the back line with Frazer Richardson at right back.

Jason Puncheon is also pushing for a recall after being left out at Everton despite some impressive recent displays.

Morgan Schneiderlin still appears unlikely to be fit for the game after injuring his knee ligaments while Jack Cork also remains on the sidelines.