Sunderland will hope to record their second league win of the season when they face up against an in-form Southampton side.
The Black Cats would be bullish of their chances at the Stadium of light, after they smashed rivals Newcastle in their last home fixture. Under new manager Sam Allardyce, they are team making small steps in the right direction, but are failing to string together consistent performances. After only winning one game out of their last six Premier League fixtures, ‘Big Sam’s’ men will be hoping they can leave their home field with another victory, jumping them out of the relegation spots. Victory could provide Sunderland much needed confidence and belief, especially with key personal still missing through injury.
Southampton comes into the match on the back of some impressive form. They remain unbeaten in their seven matches in all competitions, while going six matches undefeated in the Premier League. Ronald Koeman’s men have been impressive in their last two outings particularly, where they have comfortably beaten league strugglers Aston Villa and AFC Bournemouth, both at home.
However, Koeman will hope his side can improve their away form come this weekend, as the Saints have only managed one league win in five away games thus far.
Key Battle – Yann M’Vila vs Sadio Mane
Yann M’Vila has been one of the very few shinning lights this current Premier League run for Sunderland. Since his season-long loan deal from Russian club Rubin Kazan was completed in the summer, M’Vila has been a dominate presence in the Black Cats midfield, providing the link between attack and defence.
Though his side has been poor this season and have struggled for points, his personal efforts have been nothing but super impressive, especially for a side that has found goals a rarity – a tally of one and three assists is quite impressive. If Sunderland want to get anything out of this weekend’s game against an in-form Southampton, M’Vila will have to bring his A game to help create chances for his struggling side.
Mane, on the other hand, has been flying in the Premier League over the past two seasons since his move from Red Bull Salzburg, showing his real talents. Predominately a winger, he is able to occupy all of Southampton’s attacking channels with his ability on the ball, movement, skill and devastating pace.
The Senegalese has continued his fine form from 2014-15, notching up three goals and four assists in 11 appearances thus far in the Premier League. His contributions in attack have helped his side score a total of 18 goals in 11 games, keeping the Saints in touching distance of the top four. Mane’s efforts come this weekend’s match will be vital to his side claiming all three points at the Stadium of Light.
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Team News
Big Sam will be licking his lips at the prospect of having key players back from injury come this weekend, with the Black Cats set to have a fit Fabio Borini, John O’Shea, Ola Toivonen and Younes Kaboul all back for the important clash against Southampton.
Their opponents Southampton, on the other hand, have no real injury worries to contend with on their front, although they will be without powerful midfielder Victor Wanyama due to suspension.
Head-to-head
Sunderland have had a good record against Southampton in the past, only losing one game in their past six meetings, while notching up three wins and two draws along the way. Although, since beating the Saints in May earlier this year, they have won just one of their last six Premier League games at home.
Previous Meeting
Two penalties from Jordi Gomez on ether side of halftime was enough to claim all three points earlier this year at the Stadium of light.
Prediction
Sunderland’s mentality looks to be improving and with key players returning, Big Sam will stress confidence among his side. However, the Saint’s are currently on the warpath and it is doubtful the Black Cats will be able to keep the lightning fast Mane and lethal Pelle quiet
Sunderland 1 Southampton 2
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