Two teams who were pushing for a finish inside the top six last season face very different fortunes this time around, with Southampton struggling to find form and Swansea’s red hot form dropping-off in recent weeks.
Ronald Koeman will be asking for a lift from his side defensively after a horror performance last week against Manchester United. Conceding three goals and looking very much out of sorts, the Dutch manager will be hoping for his leader at the back, captain José Fonte, to step-up and ensure a better showing against a potent Swans attack.
Garry Monk will be extremely happy with the performances his players have put in so far this season, including a win against Manchester United and a draw away with Chelsea, but will be disappointed with their consistency. The Welsh team have backed up their two wins this season with a disappointing draw with Sunderland, while also handing the promoted Watford their first win in the Premier League.
Key Battle – Matt Targett vs Andre Ayew
Matt Targett has been the focus of many opposition attacks, picking the youngster as the weak link in the Saints’ defence and this week the task will be equal to any he has faced so far. With Koeman not burdening the English fullback with much responsibility in terms of attack, Targett can focus on the defensive side of his game and try to quell the influence of the Ghanaian winger.
Andre Ayew has been one of the standouts in the early season and has been integral in Swansea’s attacking play. Quick and a good dribbler, he has caused many a fullback headaches and is in prime position to do the same to Targett. With an unimpressive performance last week against Everton and Brendan Galloway, the former Marseille man will be looking to kick up a notch and exploit the inexperience of his opponent.
Team News
The home side are anxious over the fitness of frontman Graziano Pelle, but it appears as though he will be in good enough condition to start. First choice left-back Ryan Bertrand seems almost ready to make his way back,but it is unclear yet whether Koeman will include him against Swansea. Cédric Soares looks certain to replace Maya Yoshida at right-back, after a horror showing from the Japanese against the Red Devils.
Monk appears to have full pick of his players, with no injuries plaguing the squad at the moment. Changes to the setup that faced Everton seem unlikely with nobody having an especially bad day.
Head-to-Head
With the sides having only met 12 times before, the jury is very much out on who holds the bragging rights in terms of history. Southampton currently hold the slightest of edges over their Welsh opponents having won five to the Swans’ four, with three ending as draws.
Last Meeting
The last game between these sides finished with Swansea taking three points away from the South Coast after Jonjo Shelvey scored the game’s only goal. The loss was the only the Saints sixth of the season and their third at St. Mary’s.
Prediction
Despite an extremely poor showing defensively in the last match, Southampton still looked dangerous in attack and if not for some goalkeeping heroics could have quite easily snatched a point or more from the game. Coming up against a very lively Swansea City team, both will be hoping that their attacking work can offset the opposition’s, but it may end a stalemate.
Southampton 2 Swansea City 2
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