Speaking to saintsfc in his pre game press conference, Koeman explained that there were parallels with last year’s trip owing to their heavy six two defeat by Everton last weekend, as clearly Sam Allardyce’s side will be out to show a reaction. There is talent in this side with Rodwell, Larsson, Johnson, Defoe and Fletcher all capable of being game changers on their day but defensively they have been bad and this is a problem that Allardyce needs to address immediately.
Advertisement
Allardyce says it took him two days to recover from the sight of Sunderland’s second half display at Goodison Park and never wants to concede six goals again. They have lost five of their last seven matches in the Premier League, picking up just four points over the same stretch, with just one win from their last nine in all competitions.
Sam Allardyce will be without vice-captain Lee Cattermole whose long-standing groin injury has returned, meaning he is unavailable for selection – a big blow for the Wearside club given Cattermole’s recent impressive form.
Sunderland are set to have Fabio Borini (ankle), John O’Shea (hamstring), Ola Toivonen and Younes Kaboul (both groin) back from injury.
“I sat down with him and he said “We just want to get you in the team, scoring goals”.
“It wasn’t the result we wanted [against] Everton and we obviously have to look at the negatives”, he added. I have a big decision to make when I choose what player to replace [the suspended] Victor Wanyama.
Koeman told Southampton’s YouTube channel: “They are close, but still it’s too fast for them to be part of the team”.
Sunderland will hope to bounce back from their 6-2 defeat at Everton when they face Southampton this Saturday.
“It’s good in that aspect but we need to keep the door shut at the other end”.
Despite facing a Sunderland side who have conceded 25 goals in 11 Premier League games this term, Pelle’s away record should be cause for concern, particularly as he’s failed to find the net on so many occasions on the road – including games at QPR, Leicester, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Sunderland last season.
Southampton have now scored the most headed goals this season in the Premier League (six); twice as many as they did in 2014-15 overall.
Sunderland have the lowest average possession figure in the Premier League so far this season (41.7%).
Advertisement
Given the defensive struggles os Sunderland I think the overs have to be the play here.
