First Impressions At Southampton

Southampton FC are back in the Premier League

This season, for the first time in seven long years, sees Southampton back in the Barclays Premier League. Back to back promotions have helped the Saints get to the top level of English football and under the watchful eye of Nicola Cortese and the late Markus Liebherr have beaten their so called "5 Year Plan", which was to get to the Premier League within 5 seasons. But will they storm the top division like Stoke, Norwich and Swansea have in past seasons or will they replicate Derby and flop straight back down to the npower Championship?

The Squad

Jay Rodriguez has signed from Burnley

Southampton have made some good signings to add to their Championship runners-up, including Burnley's top scoring Jay Rodriguez and solid Crystal Palace full back Nathaniel Clyne. They also have Premier League experience in the team with Danny Fox, Jason Puncheon and another new signing, Steve Davis, as well as goalkeeper Kelvin Davis, albeit a woeful season for the former Sunderland keeper. 



Adam Lallana is a key player for the side with plenty of assists and goals from the 23 year old midfielder and Rickie Lambert's goalscoring prowess will only help his side after getting 27 goals last year in the Championship. Jose Fonte and Jos Hooiveld will need to say strong at the back for the Saints if they want to stay in the top division. Morgan Schneiderlin will be one to watch out for this season as the young Frenchman was a big factor in Southampton's promotion. 


Nathaniel Clyne

As always, Southampton's academy have produced some future stars, this year with James Ward-Prowse, Luke Shaw, Jack Stephens and Callum Chambers, with the first two in the squad for the game against Manchester City. 

My Prediction



Steve Davis

I think that Southampton will have a decent season and after a good result against Manchester City (3-2) but will ultimately lead to no real achievements apart from evading the void that is relegation. The Saints have a better squad than Reading, with the possible exception of Pogrebnyak who I rate highly, but not quite as good as West Ham's, so ultimately I think we will come 16th.

For the rest of the league, I think Manchester City will win the league and Reading, Wigan and QPR will get relegated.