This week we have Ben from Southampton site GoMarchinIn.co.uk giving us the lowdown on all things Southampton
1) You've made a great start to the season - I'd imagine there were times over the summer where you were quite concerned given the amount of departures you witnessed. I'd imagine things are a little more relaxed now?
Things are much more relaxed now, you're right. A large part of that is probably down to Ronald Koeman himself. The Dutchman always comes across as very calm and that seems to filter down to the players. Looking back at the summer transfer window now it really feels like a game of two halves. We sold a lot of players at the start and then bought a lot as the window drew to a close.
That many changes in such a short amount of time can have a negative impact on the squad, but fortunately for us the new players have not only integrated quickly but hit the ground running in the Premier League.
2) Have you noticed any changes in the playing style since Koeman came in?
Subtle changes, yes. For example we don't press our opponents as high up the pitch as we did under Pochettino. Last season Rickie Lambert was our target man, but he would be expected to drop deep or run into the channels. This season Graziano Pelle plays the target man role but he stays much more central, with the majority of the running coming from Shane Long and the wider midfield players.
The midfield is ultimately Southampton's heartbeat and strongest area of the pitch. Last season, it protected the four defenders behind it so well, only Manchester City conceded less shots. Despite Pochettino overseeing Southampton's record breaking points haul in the Premier League, there were times during the campaign when we could have done with a plan B. We didn't seem to be able to change it up, whereas Koeman has already shown a willingness to change things.
In the first two games of the season Southampton played a 4-2-3-1 formation, but in their away game at West Ham they opted for a 4-1-2-3. At home to Newcastle last weekend the Saints deservedly led 2-0 at half time, however strike Shane Long had picked up a head injury so Koeman replaced him with defensive midfielder Victor Wanyama. A move which on paper looks like a negative switch but it actually allowed Jack Cork and Morgan Schneiderlin more freedom to roam forward.
3) Are there any players we should watch out for in particular this weekend?
Keeping Morgan Schneiderlin at Southampton over the summer was like a brand new signing by itself. The Frenchman has been with the club for 6 years now but for the last few seasons he has been our best player. The only side to his game as a midfielder that was lacking was goals, but with 3 scored in 4 games he looks to be flourishing even more under Ronald Koeman.
Graziano Pelle is another one to watch out for. When the big Italian signed from Feyenoord over the summer question marks were asked about whether he would be able to replicate the form that saw him score 27 goals in the Eredivisie last season. Having now scored 3 times in 4 games it certainly looks like Pelle has taken well to life in the Premier League.
4) As for ourselves, is there anyone in particular you think your team will need to be wary of?
Our midfield have to be wary of Gylfi Sigurdsson and make sure they keep him quiet as possible. With four assists in as many games he's going to be a big threat.
Just over a month ago you asked me who my favourite Swansea player was and I said Nathan Dyer. He's had a great start to the season and we'll have to make sure he's not allowed to get the ball down and run at our defence.
5) How do you think you'll fare in general this season?
Before the season started I predicted that Southampton would finish between 10th and 12th. We've made a great start to this campaign, but I still think a finish around 10th is probably about right.
6) Do you think you'll be looking to keep things similar to how you've played so far this season, or will Koeman make changes against the Swans?
As I mentioned above I think we'll either play 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-2-3, as we did away at West Ham. The central midfielders will be key to how the result goes for us. But I think it would be silly to make too many changes to the system we have been playing, considering it is working so well.
7) Has any player surpassed expectations so far this season?
Even though I thought he would be a good signing for us, Dusan Tadic has really impressed me so far. I thought that we would struggle to replace the creative spark that Adam Lallana gave us last season, but statistically he is performing even better than the ex-Saints man. He's another player that Swansea should be mindful of.
8) You were very active in the transfer market this summer - are you happy with the squad you've been left with once the window slammed shut?
We ended up signing more players than we sold and we didn't just panic buy. Each transfer seems well thought out, even if the price for some of the players we signed seemed a bit inflated - Shane Long is a prime example of that. But overall I am very happy with the squad we have got.
9) Lastly, what's your prediction for this match?
I think it'll be a great game. Swansea will want to bounce back from last weekend and I don't think that loss will have affected them at all. Both teams play good football and have started the season very strongly. I hope we can both stay as high up the table for as long as possible as it is refreshing to see the top 6 shaken up. 1-1.
Thanks to Ben for taking the time to answer our questions. Check out GoMarchingIn.co.uk and their Twitter @GoMarchingIn