Prediction League: Swansea

Ive always had a soft spot for Swansea. Like ourselves, they have always had a habit of doing things the "right" way.

Rocketing up the divisions and thriving in the premier league by playing decent, attractive football. Helping their country with a conveyor belt of young talent schooled in good technique. Not using money beyond their means as a shortcut to success. All very noble.

This summer they followed their usual offseason plan. Its one well known to our fans. Sell your best players for massively inflated fees and get in some cheaper replacements. Out went chief goal getter Andre Ayew. In came Llorente and Borja Baston for the less.

The Tv pundits widely criticised them, as they did Les Reed, for the tactic but the two Spaniards are brilliant additions that could, once again, make the Swans board look very smart.

Baston might get his first run out today. Here's hoping it is as uneventful as his compatriot's Perez last weekend.

But today, as is the case on two days a year, this respect goes out the window. They are the enemy.

Table

Congratulations to Allen who rockets up to 2nd with a correct score. Commiserations to Tommy who was minutes away from three points and had it snatched away by the useless officiating of Bobby Madley.

Predictions

Merse: 2-0 "[The mighty saints] are a better team than their league position shows and I think [their first league victory] will come on Sunday."

Lawro: 2-0 "Southampton had enough chances to beat Arsenal last week before losing to a last-gasp penalty, and I think their wait for three points will be over on Sunday."

Jake: 2-1 "Despite Europa League distractions, I believe Saints will pull out a 2-1 win!"

Paul: 1-0 "Opinion will be split between those that suddenly believe we're going to get champions league, and those that are still busy finding every possible negative"

Allen: 0-1 "Our biggest attacking threat might possible be on loan at Blackburn. But something needs to happen up front to show we can score goals."

Will: 2-1 "Not sure why pundits have rounded on Swansea as a team in trouble. They are still well run. Have a core of quality midfielders. They'll be fine."

George: 1-1 "Don't score too many, but we do have a habit of letting them in. Swansea probably aren't dangerous enough to really rack them up against Saints, but I struggle to see how they will let in loads either."

Tommy: 0-0 "After a big 3-0 win in Europe."

Dan V: 2-1 "Scrappy 2-1 win with squad rotation stalling the progress in our play we saw vs Arsenal. We're getting there..."