Southampton
Fixtures – October 25 (H), March 19 (A)
Strengths – Ronald Koeman has put together a very good side who play nice football and can hold their own against anyone. They’ve lost another couple of big names this summer, with Schneiderlin and Clyne moving on, but they’ve already found more than adequate replacements in the form of Jordy Clasie and Cedric Soares.
Weaknesses – Losing Toby Alderweireld to Tottenham will have come as a big blow. They’ve replaced him with Steven Caulker, who is on loan from QPR, and that might just leave them a little weak in the centre of defence. Jose Fonte will need to have another big season if they’re to maintain their recent high standards.
Danger man – Sadio Mane was an increasingly important figure for the Saints last season. He’s got pace and power down the wing and will score his fair share of goals. Considering our recent, although now hopefully corrected issues at full-back, this could be a big test for the likes of Clyne, Alberto Moreno and Joe Gomez.
How to beat them – We must disrupt Southampton’s passing game and force them to play the ball long towards Graziano Pelle, rather than working it forwards. The likes of Roberto Firmino, who loves to chase and harry everything, will be vital to our success here. Our full-backs must be on form to contain the threat down the flanks.
Stoke City
Fixtures – August 9 (A), April 9 (H)
Strengths – We all know that Stoke are big, physical and won’t take any prisoners. However, under Mark Hughes, they have become more adaptable and there is now a lot more to their game. The summer additions of Ibrahim Afellay and Marco van Ginkel further prove what type of team they are trying to become.
Weaknesses – They don’t have much at the back. If Ryan Shawcross is missing then you’re instantly thinking that they can bet got at. The addition of Glen Johnson to their squad is unlikely to get rid of many of those fears either.
Danger man – Mame Biram Diouf is an excellent forward for them to have leading their line. Considering the amount of work that’s gone in to tuning up their midfield, he could have more chances to feed off than ever this season and we know better than anyone that he can put them away.
How to beat them – You need to outplay them. Get the ball on the deck and pass it quickly, make them chase the game. They might steadily be changing the way they play, but they’re still Stoke, and they’re not going to be able to live with a team that plays fast-paced possession football. Coutinho and co need to be at their best.
Sunderland
Fixtures – December 28 (A), February 6 (H)
Strengths – Their biggest coup of the summer was convincing manager Dick Advocaat to stay for another year. Now, he must try and work out how to get the best out of a pretty limited squad. Younes Kaboul should help make them a little bit more solid at the back Jeremain Lens looks like an exciting player going forward.
Weaknesses – Lots of experience but very little else at the back. The likes of John O’Shea and Wes Brown aren’t going to be able to keep going forever and they could really do with a bit of youth to freshen up an ageing squad. They’re also going to be pretty reliant on Jermain Defoe for goals, unless someone else comes in soon.
Danger man – Adam Johnson is capable of brilliance on his day. Whether he’ll be in the right mindset to play is another question entirely. He’s an England international and a Premier League winner with Manchester City – will we ever see that player run out for Sunderland? It seems unlikely at this stage.
How to beat them – Other than Lee Cattermole, they haven’t got much to hold their midfield together. The battle can be won there and then you really need to stretch the legs of that ageing defence. Get the balls over the top of the back four going and just let Benteke and co start running. There are going to be plenty of chances.
