Southampton come into this campaign on the back of a good campaign, finishing in 8th place.

They have continued to slip down the table, primarily due to selling their best players and others strengthening.

Their coach last season was Claude Puel, who guided them to a major final and a top ten finish but that wasn't enough.

Ultimately the playing style did for the Frenchman, he can afford to feel a little aggrieved given the season they had.

Mauricio Pellegrino is the new man in the Saints hot-seat, with the coach highly regarded in Spain after a stint Alaves.

Their main aim will be to progress up the table and remain in contention for a trophy.

Premier League

Southampton's opening fixture of this brand new Premier League campaign is against Swansea on Saturday 12th August, at St. Mary's.

Their next four fixtures are:

 

West Ham (H) 21st August

Huddersfield (A) 26th August

Watford (H) 9th September

Crystal Palace (A) 16th September

 

This is a great set of opening fixtures for the Saints, these are all games that the Saints can be confident of winning.

They don't have to face any of the top six in the first month, allowing Pellegrino the perfect chance to register wins.

It will be very interesting to see where the Saints are after their first five matches, it could define their season.

Southampton registered 12 wins during their last campaign ending the season with 46 points, 15 points behind Everton in 7th.

This season was a slight disappointment on the 2015/16 campaign, where they won 18 matches and registered 63 points, and finished in 6th place.

That was an excellent season but it's worth bearing in mind that Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool had shocking league seasons during that campaign.

Cup Football

As well as consolidating their position in the Premier League, Southampton will be looking for another successful cup run.

They lost out to Manchester United in the final of last years EFL Cup, losing 3-2 in a thrilling Wembley showpiece.

Southampton were dumped out of the FA Cup at the second time of asking, losing 5-0 at home against a rampant Arsenal.

This is an area that the club will have identified to move forward, securing a trophy will be a major part of the Saints plans this season.

Transfer Activity

Southampton's main aim will be to add some quality to their ranks but they do face another season of selling their best player.

Their main area of weakness was the forward areas and lack of goals, and they have yet to really address that.

The main story of their summer has been the transfer cloud hanging over defender Virgil Van Dijk, with the Dutchman heavily linked with Liverpool.

They have also sold Jay Rodriguez to West Brom, they will need to bring in two forward players now.

 

Transfers In: Jan Bednarek (Lech Poznan)

Transfers Out: Jason McCarthy (Barnsley) and Jay Rodriguez (West Bromwich Albion)

One To Watch

Manolo Gabbiadini is the one to watch for Southampton this season.

The Italian had an excellent last six months with the Saints, having moved from Napoli in January.

He scored four times in 11 league appearances, as well as two goals in the EFL Cup Final against Manchester United.

It will be very intriguing to see how he goes in his first full season as a Saints player, he looked a fantastic prospect at times last season.

Betting Tips

To win the 17/18 Premier League outright @ 250/1

A Top Four Finish @ 20/1

To win the Carabao Cup 17/18 @ 20/1

To win the FA Cup 17/18 @ 25/1

 

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