2016-17 fan predictions: Southampton
By Stu Howden, Southampton fan
What are your feelings ahead of the new season?
Optimistic. Though we lost three key players – Wanyama, Mane and Pelle – none were surprises to leave. I can’t see us finishing sixth like last season, but we will definitely be a top 10 team, possibly top eight with a little bit of luck. Claude Puel is very focused on youth, so I expect to see many youngsters finally getting the chance they didn’t get under Koeman. He also plays attractive football – so we will be a great team to watch.
Are you satisfied with your club’s transfer business this summer?
A few big names left, but all for very good prices and none of these player exits were surprises to the fans. I hope that is the last of the first-team players leaving now, though – I certainly don’t want to see my favourite player, our captain, Jose Fonte leaving! Redmond and Hojbjerg look really good signings, but it would be nice to see another new striker and a centre-back arrive to back up what we have.
How is your team likely to line up?
Forster, Cedric, Fonte, Van Dijk, Bertrand, Hojbjerg, Clasie, Redmond, Tadic, Austin, Long.
Have you got the right man in charge?
My original preferred choice after Koeman left was De Boer but since the appointment of Claude Puel, we’ve looked good in pre-season. The key thing is he shares the club’s philosophy of nurturing and bringing youth through into the first team and improving young players. So overall, I think Puel is a good fit for the role.
What do you expect from Liverpool this season?
I think without European distractions and a full season for Klopp, Liverpool will be quite a force this year – so I can genuinely see them finishing in the top four, but probably not winning the title.
If you could have one Liverpool player in your team, who would it be?
I really want to say my old favourite Adam Lallana, but think at the moment I’d want Coutinho from the Liverpool team.
Top four (in order)?
Man Utd
Man City
Arsenal
Liverpool
Relegated?
Hull, Burnley, Bournemouth
Who will be the surprise package?
West Ham United
What is your one wish for the season?
For Southampton to win some silverware.