Ronald Koeman predicts what will happen when Southampton play Swansea City
Manager Monk remains happy with the efforts of his players, however, and has called on them to bounce back quickly from their disappointment against Hull. But I expect more than just defending the result.
“I’m very pleased [with Van Dijk]” Koeman told Sky Sports.
Southampton will be hoping the fitness of forward Pellé is sufficient for the Italian to start, having suffered from a slight knock following their 3-2 home defeat at the hands of Louis van Gaal’s side last time out. Unless he hits a lean patch like past year, the Italian is surely going to better his 12 goal tally from his debut season as he establishes himself on the worldwide scene as well.
On the back of their 6-0 drubbing of MK Dons on Wednesday, Southampton will be looking to kick start their Premier League campaign against Swansea on Saturday having won just once in the league so far. It was the flawless example, I think, of a great corner and finish.
Mane, who scored twice in midweek, then made it 3-0 just after the hour mark, finishing after a Graziano Pelle shot came off Ashley Williams for his fourth goal in his last five Premier League appearances at St Mary’s.
However, it didn’t matter as Saints had already done plenty enough to secure another good win.
It was the third home game in a row in which they’ve scored two or more, building on the demolition of 10-man Norwich earlier in the month and the spirited, yet ultimately defeated, performance against Manchester United last weekend.
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Gylfi Sigurdsson ended Swansea’s goal drought from the penalty spot late on after Neil Taylor was felled by Jose Fonte, but it was little consolation for the below-par visitor.
The hosts are still without midfielder Jordy Clasie, but Pelle should shake off a foot problem in time to play.
Garry Monk’s decision to go for a midfield diamond, benching Jefferson Montero, was a poor one.
Swansea had half a chance to make it interesting as Andre Ayew was picked out in the box but his header towards goal was fielded by Stekelenburg.