Ronald Koeman’s second Premier League season has not started out as well as his first outing. Thus far, the Dutchman has only been able to bear Norwich City in six games. The Saints currently have six points from a potential 18 and are in 16th place. And they do not have a straight-forward game against Swansea City.
Southampton lost 3-2 to recent opponents Man Utd, whereas Swansea were able to secure a 2-1 victory in Wales. This divergence is the reason why Swansea are in seventh place and three points clear of Southampton.
Expectations
Southampton’s defence had already appeared a little shakier than last season, but things got much worse against Man Utd. At one point, they were 3-1 down and chasing the game before losing 3-2. Koeman changed his defence line-up and this resulted in disappointment.
Koeman must rethink his defensive selection and whether or not Virgil van Dijk or Maya Yoshida should partner José Fonte at centre-back. Yoshida did not play well at right-back, with more natural option Cédric Soares on the bench against Man Utd. Southampton are adjusting to life with Morgan Schneiderlin without worrying about defence.
Swansea played intelligently against the attack-minded Everton and retained 48% possession, which is better than would have been expected. Swansea proved that they could play against a team that could be tricky in attack and hold firm. However, the challenge for the Swans will be to maintain their form away from home.
Only two of Swansea’s nine points have come away from home. Generally, they score fewer goals and concede more. This will make it tough for them to travel to the south coast and beat Southampton. Swansea won this fixture in March, but Southampton’s determined attitude in the face of defeat against Man Utd suggests that they are in the right frame of mind to put in the effort to win games.
Match Tips
Tip one: Southampton draw no bet @ 1.55 with Betfair
Tip two: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.65 with Betfair
Backing Southampton on draw no bet (1.55) with Betfair will offer protection in case the game ends in a draw.