Though the Blues won 3-1 in the Carabao Cup tie in midweek, both teams fielded a number of changes and in many ways, this could be the first full game for many Southampton players since the Leicester City thrashing last weekend.
Ferna was suspended for the first of back-to-back meetings with the Saints following his dismissal against Aston Villa last Saturday, but the Brazilian is looking forward to returning, even though he expects the visitors to sit deep and absorb pressure.
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“It’s really hard playing a team after such a heavy defeat, especially after being beaten at home,” said Ferna.
“Regardless of what has gone before, we have to win the game and we are confident we know the way they’re going to play.
“I’m certain they will have five at the back maybe or five in the middle, trying to reduce the space for our attacking players, but we just have to do our best.
“It wouldn’t be the first time we’d faced that sort of formation and it won’t be the last.
“We just have to play our game, play very good football, try to move the ball faster and try to find the spaces and create chances and, of course, be aware of any counter-attacks.!
Southampton have enjoyed much greater success in the road this season, with seven of their eight points coming away from St Mary’s.
The six goals Saints have shipped away is also the best record of any of the lower half teams in the Premier League.
“They have fast players upfront and given the opportunity, they can be very dangerous,” he said.
“As a player you have to be ready every three days because the next game is the most important and you have to be used to it.
“It doesn’t matter if Southampton got a bad result in the Premier League last time, we know the way they’ll set up and it’s not easy for us, so we try to do our best and we’ll see what happens.”
