Southampton vs Swansea – Saturday 12th August 2017 – 15:00
Southampton are 8/13 with Manolo Gabbiadini at 7/2 to score first.
Southampton face Swansea at St.Mary's on Saturday afternoon, on the opening weekend of the 2017/18 Premier League season.
The Saints come into this match in mixed form, beating Sevilla 2-0 at St.Mary's in their final pre-season fixture.
Mauricio Pellegrino named a strong starting eleven for his final pre-season friendly ahead of the impending Swansea fixture.
Jack Stephens’ first-half volley (26) gave Saints the advantage going into the break.
Manolo Gabbiadini (82) confirmed the victory with a cool finish, doubling their advantage with just eight minutes to go.
It means that Southampton end a mixed pre season on a high, with the club now well prepared for the new season.
New Manager
It has been another season of change for Southampton on the managerial front, with Mauricio Pellegrino now in the hot seat.
The future of Virgil Van Dijk has been the main talking point for the Saints, with the defender handing in a transfer request.
They have just made a huge signing in Mario Lemina, with the former Juventus man joining on a five-year deal.
It will be a big season for Pellegrino, with Claude Puel sacked despite a top ten finish and cup final appearance.
Saints Favourites
Southampton come into this match as favourites, with home advantage decisive for the bookies.
Mauricio Pellegrino's men will be looking to win this opening fixture, maximising their home fixtures.
The Saints will be looking for their fourth win in six matches against Swansea.
New Season
The Swans come into this match on the back of a 4-0 win against Sampdoria, an impressive result for Paul Clement's side.
It took until the 40th minute for Swansea to take the lead, with Leroy Fer leaping highest in the box to head home his second goal in a week.
The second half began in bizarre fashion, with Alvarez’s back pass proving too strong for keeper Tozzo and the ball rolled into an empty net for an own goal and a 2-0 home lead.
Tammy Abraham scored in the 65th minute, with the on loan striker bundling in a Carroll cross to make it 3-0.
Fernandez made it 4-0 in the 76th minute, with Carroll again picking out a team mate in the box and completing an emphatic win.
Tough Start
Swansea had a poor campaign last season, they had three different managers and only just managed to avoid relegation.
Paul Clement's appointment in January proved to be a masterstroke, with the Englishman keeping them in the Premier League.
There has been plenty of unrest over the future of Gylfi Sigurdsson and the injury to key man Fernando Llorente.
Clement has made some excellent signings but he will be keen for the Sigurdsson situation to resolve itself.
Swans Underdogs
Paul Clement's side come into this match as underdogs, with last season informing the bookies.
This will be a tough match for Swansea, with Southampton a tough proposition at St.Mary's
Swansea will be looking to reproduce their 2-1 win of last season in this fixture.
Swansea are 19/4 with Tammy Abraham at 13/2 to open the scoring.
Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Austin to score first @ 4/1
Tip 2 – Southampton to win 1-0 @ 9/2