---
title: "Opposition view: Southampton"
canonical: "https://readeverton.com/opposition-view-southampton/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Paddy Boyland"
section: "Other"
published: "2015-08-13T14:14:02Z"
modified: "2015-08-13T14:18:25Z"
---

# Opposition view: Southampton

Everton face a tricky trip to last season’s surprise package, Southampton, on Saturday. We spoke to Ben Hooke from Read Southampton for a Saints perspective ahead of the game.

**1. Give us your assessment of Southampton’s pre-season/season up to now. Have the club progressed under the new manager? Where do you expect to finish?**

Pre-season was really positive. Obviously we went to Holland; beat Feyenoord 3-0 at De Kuip before beating Vitesse in Europe too. We’ve progressed hugely in the last season under Koeman. We’re tough to beat. Defensively we’re leaps and bounds better than we were.

**2. How is Ronald Koeman getting on? Is he destined for the very top?**

Koeman is clever, first and foremost. He’s versatile with his formations. We used 4-2-3-1 a lot last year but we used 3-5-2, 4-4-1-1 too. But he’s a good man to have around the club; much more friendly and open than his predecessor.

**3. Saints have once again been productive in the transfer market. What do you make of Southampton’s new signings?**

They needed to be made. We lost three top players (Clyne, Schneiderlin, Alderweireld) but we’ve brought in quality and quantity – which we had to do with the Europa League’s extra games.

**4. How do you view Everton?**

Everton were disappointing last year, but you could see why – small squad, lots of games. The Europa League stopped their season getting started for me.

**5. How do you expect us to do this season?**

I’ve got you down as a carbon copy of what Saints did last year – although seeing the game against Watford last weekend made me question that slightly.

**6. What do you make of Roberto Martinez?**

Good manager – think being at a club like Everton is tough for him. Very different challenge to Swansea and Wigan.

**7. Which 3 Everton players would you take to St Mary’s given the chance?**

Stones, McCarthy, Mirallas. Stones in particular – big fan.

**8. Which Saints players should Everton be wary of on Sunday?**

Mane is the danger man for us. Our No. 10 can hurt teams on his day. Also, Pelle is looking good – three goals in as many competitive games so far this season.

**9. And who will home fans fear in a blue shirt?**

Coleman stands out as a threat down the flank. He scored a cracker against us two seasons ago.

**10. Likely Southampton team and score prediction?**

Steklenburg; Soares, Fonte, Yoshida, Targett; Wanyama, Davis, Ward-Prowse; Tadic, Mane, Pelle.

2-1 to Southampton.

*Thanks to Ben for his time. Be sure to follow [@ReadSouthampton](https://twitter.com/ReadSouthampton)*