Southampton's next challenge is a Middlesbrough side riding a wave of early-season momentum under new manager Rob Edwards. The scale of their strong start is perhaps the season's first surprise package; apart from a heavy cup defeat to Doncaster, Boro have been nigh-on perfect in the league. Their 16-point haul and four-point lead at the top speak volumes. Even when not at their best, as in the 2-2 draw at Preston where they twice came from behind, they have shown the character to grind out results, a trait they demonstrated again in beating West Brom."
