July 13 2006

Darren Powell

Southampton suffered severely from a relegation hangover last year, but like all bad hangovers, there were clear signs of revitalisation towards the end of the season, writes Danny Hayes.

George Burley slowly transformed their fortunes on the pitch giving them some mid-table security at least. This included a fantastic performance against Palace where they were very unfortunate to lose 2-1.

Now with a couple of summer recruits could be the time for Southampton to really make their mark on this division. The signing of Bradley Wright-Philips could prove to be an inspired one, and with some proven quality up front, Southampton should prove tough opposition this season.

Their Squad

Southampton certainly have a wealth of talent in attack. Gregory Rasiak is a proven striker at this level who should have been given more of a chance in the Premiership - he will defiantly score goals this season. Wright-Philips and Kenywne Jones both have potential and you would expect them to weigh in with some goals this season.

As for Ricardo Fuller, he was perhaps the worst striker I have ever seen when he played for Palace, but has since proven himself at a number of clubs and is sure to score against us yet again this season.

Southampton's midfield is clearly the weakest part of the side, there is plenty of experience in the middle with David Prutton and Jermaine Wright. But on the wings, with Nathan Dyer and Belmadi, they have two very inconsistent players.

Watch out for Dyer though, at only 18, he looks a player with enormous potential who could go onto good things.

The defence looks very solid, a good mixture of pace and experience with the likes of Danny Higginbotham, Darren Powell, Claus Lundekvam and Alexander Ostlund. There are certain to be difficult to break down and a strong defence is the perfect platform with which to start a successful season.

Probable Starting XI

Previous Meetings

22/04/06 – Crystal Palace 2-1 Southampton

25/01/06 – Southampton 0-0 Crystal Palace

07/05/05 – Crystal Palace 2-2 Southampton

27/11/04 – Southampton 2-2 Crystal Palace

When We Meet This Season

12/09/06 – Home

26/12/06 – Away

Prediction

For me, Southampton are the team to beat this season. They finished last term strongly, have a good nucleus of players and perhaps with a couple of additions in midfield they will have a strong squad with which to compete for the major honours.

A play-off place at the very least beckons and with George Burley in charge they have a manager who knows all about winning promotion.