Southampton need to get their season going sharpish after what’s been a pretty slow start under new boss Claude Puel.
The Saints have just two points to their name thanks to draws with Watford and Sunderland whilst losses against Manchester United and Arsenal have left them in the lower reaches of the Premier League table.
The Saints have just two points to their name thanks to draws with Watford and Sunderland whilst losses against Manchester United and Arsenal have left them in the lower reaches of the Premier League table.
Nevertheless, the south coast club can argue that not many teams will get a result from those two away games so panic stations should not set in just yet, especially for a club that has shown repeatedly over the last few seasons its ability to bounce back.
Matchweek five in the Premier League sees them host Swansea on Sunday afternoon, another side that could have had a better start, and this presents them with a real chance of getting their season back on track.
We think the Saints have a good chance of getting their first victory of the season against the Welsh club, providing they go with this starting XI…
Fraser Forster – GK
Forster is a very good ‘keeper and so should start in the game on Sunday as long as he is fit. The club always have a chance when he’s between the sticks.
Cedric Soares -RB
Soares is adept at getting up and down the right side for Southampton and will be key to them getting some width.
Jose Fonte – CB
Fonte hasn’t been as good as he was last year but it’s likely just a blip and this game could be the one to see him return to his best.
Virgil Van Dijk – CB
Rather like Fonte, Van Dijk seems to still be getting up to speed but will surely start alongside the Portuguese.
Ryan Bertrand – LB
Saints fans are very happy to see the former Chelsea man back as he’s a good defender. Like Soares he’ll be expected to offer width going forward.
Oriol Romeu – DM
Romeu looks like he’s found where he belongs and that’s at the heart of the Saints’ midfield.
Dusan Tadic – RM
Tadic saw his free-kick go in off Petr Cech but it highlighted his ball striking ability and the team will need his creativity once again.
Nathan Redmond – LM
Arguably the club’s best performer despite being out of position, he could revert back to a more familiar role against the Swans.
Steven Davis – CAM
You’re always going to get hard work and commitment from Davis and that’s exactly what Southampton need in their current difficulties.
Shane Long – ST
Long has started fairly slowly this season but only needs one goal to get going so should get the nod.
Jay Rodriguez – ST
It’s good to see Rodriguez back and finding the net. Claude Puel will hope he can strike up a good partnership with Long starting Sunday.