Southampton

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  1. Follow Saturday's Premier League fixturespublished at 11:37 24 August

    Brighton v Manchester United, Manchester City v Ipswich Town, Tottenham Hotspur v Everton, Southampton v Nottingham Forest, Fulham v Leicester City, Crystal Palace v West Ham United, Aston Villa v Arsenal

    There are seven games on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you all the action and reaction.

    Follow live here

    *All times are BST

  2. Sutton's predictions: Southampton v Nottingham Forestpublished at 11:18 24 August

    Chris Sutton and Clara Amfo and Jordan Stephens

    Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches this season, against a variety of guests.

    For week two, he takes on Make Me A Mixtape hosts Clara Amfo and Jordan Stephens.

    Sutton's prediction: 0-1

    Southampton were brilliant at Newcastle. If there was a criticism of them it was they didn't really create enough when Newcastle went down to 10 men. Southampton's performance deserved something.

    Forest had the horrendous injury to Danilo, which is a big blow to them. But I am going to go for Forest.

    Amfo's prediction: 2-0

    Stephens' prediction: 1-1

    That is your first one I'd say is controversial. I feel like Southampton will have some of that post-promotion buzz in their first home game, but it will only be enough to get them a point.

    Read the full predictions and have your say

  3. Why PSR tweaks may harm top Premier League clubspublished at 09:23 24 August

    Media caption,

    This season, English top-flight clubs are trialling a new financial system that limits spending based on the earnings of the bottom side, designed to "protect the competitive balance of the Premier League".

    Football finance expert Rob Wilson tells The Football News Show why, if permanently introduced, it could make the top Premier League sides less competitive against their European counterparts.

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  4. PFA concerned at PSR's 'unintended consequences'published at 12:25 23 August

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    Maheta Molango, chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association tells The Football News Show why he is concerned at the current and potential future financial rules in the Premier League.

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  5. Martin on transfer business, 'hungry' new signings and facing Forestpublished at 14:07 22 August

    Nicola Pearson
    BBC Sport journalist

    Southampton boss Russell Martin has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Nottingham Forest (kick-off 15:00 BST).

    Here are the key lines from his news conference:

    • On transfers, Martin said it would be "only natural we would have to lose a few to to bring one or two in" as deadline day approaches and that he "would expect us to still be a bit busy in towards the end".

    • On being linked with Sunderland winger Jack Clarke: "That position is not one we are light on numbers in at the moment. Ben Brereton Diaz plays there and we have other guys who can operate there, so it is not high on priority right now. He is a very talented player. His agent is a good friend of mine - they would know if we are in that race right now and we are not."

    • On new signings Lesley Ugochukwu and Matheus Fernandes: "We want players who are hungry to be here, to improve and be part of the style of play. This is their opportunity and we don't want them to just see it as a step to something else. I’ve really been impressed so far. Both are young and hungry and now they need to get themselves into the team."

    • On new striker Cameron Archer, he added: "He gives us flexibility. A proper goalscorer - quick, intelligent with movement. It is just about adapting to us and what we want. He had the disappointment of last season, so he is desperate to prove he is a Premier League player and that he can and will do it. He wanted to be here and is really hungry to be."

    • Martin wants players to use the "anger and frustration" at the result at Newcastle so they can "feel much better after this Saturday's game and our first game back in the Premier League at St Mary's".

    • The Saints boss called on fans to bring the same atmosphere as last season, adding: "In football we have the privilege of creating memories and moments for people. The players deserve this after last season. The fans deserve this after last season. And the owners deserve this after their bravery in giving us opportunity to do this."

    • On facing Nottingham Forest: "Nuno [Espirito Santo] has a way of doing things that has been very successful. When I played against his Wolves team in the Championship they were one of best I've seen at that level. They have some real individual talent and they can hurt teams in a instant. But we want to do what we do. We want the crowd to be with us, to really enjoy watching, and we want to enjoy the performance."

    Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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  6. 🎧 Cricket legend Broad on Saints v Forestpublished at 11:17 22 August

    Stuart Broad smilingImage source, Getty Images

    On the latest episode of BBC Radio Solent's Saints and Sinners podcast, England cricket legend and Nottingham Forest fan Stuart Broad has been giving the insight into Southampton's next opponents.

    The cricketer, who was born in Nottingham, said: "I think we've made some brilliant signings this year, we look stronger and it was a disappointing result with Bournemouth at the weekend [a 1-1 draw].

    "That is probably a really good place for us to be, if we're disappointed not getting three points against Bournemouth - it shows we've got a strong group of players."

    Speaking about Saturday's upcoming fixture, Broad said: "I think there will be goals, from memory last time it was a freezing cold night and both teams were struggling a little bit.

    "The atmosphere was a little bit edgy - whereas this, both teams have hope and we're still at that stage where we're both buzzing with hope, so I think it will be a lively encounter.

    "Forest will still try to play counter attack and try to nick the ball and get forward pretty quickly with Elanga and Hudson-Odoi.

    "Chris Wood has found an amazing way of scoring goals, every time I think it may be one year too many for him, bang - he scores again."

    Broad added: "If we get a point at St Mary's, then I'm happy."

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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  7. 🎧 Reviewing Newcastle loss and Forest preview with Stuart Broadpublished at 09:26 22 August

    Southampton BBC graphic

    The latest episode of BBC Radio Solent's Saints And Sinners podcast has landed.

    Tom Deacon and Adam Blackmore talk about the loss to Newcastle United and the Saints' recent signings.

    And Nottingham Forest fan and England cricket great Stuart Broad joins to preview Saturday's game, as Russell Martin's side get their Premier League season at St Mary's under way.

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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  8. Southampton v Nottingham Forest - did you know?published at 14:42 21 August

    Ben Brereton Diaz hands on headImage source, Getty Images

    Southampton and former Nottingham Forest forward Ben Brereton Diaz is yet to end on the winning side in a Premier League match in 15 attempts (drawn four, lost 11).

    In Premier League history, only Marvin Sordell (17 games) and Emanuel Villa (16) have played more matches without featuring in a win.

  9. Mara completes Strasbourg movepublished at 10:16 21 August

    Sekou Mara of Southampton walks out of a stadium tunnelImage source, Getty Images

    Southampton forward Sekou Mara has completed a permanent transfer to French top-flight side Strasbourg after a two-year spell at St Mary's.

    The 22-year-old made 64 appearances for the Saints, scoring eight goals and registering five assists during his stay.

    Mara will now return to his homeland to play under former Hull City boss Liam Rosenior.

  10. 'It's a dream come true to play in the Premier League'published at 19:10 20 August

    Mateus Fernandes in action for Estoril last seasonImage source, Getty Images

    Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes has said it is a "dream come true" to get the opportunity to play in the Premier League after signing for Southampton.

    The 20-year-old has joined from Sporting for a fee in the region of £15m, and he has signed a five-year contract.

    He told club media: "I know some things about Southampton. I know about the city. I know Jose Fonte played here, Cedric, so I want to talk to them. I spoke to the manager and I like him a lot - his energy, his feeling, he's very good. He talked to me and I'm very happy.

    "I want to help the team, but I'm new in England so I need help from them too! I want to help the team and enjoy the Premier League with the guys this season. I think I can help when we have the ball and when we don't have the ball."

    Manager Russell Martin added: "Mateus is a player we have been monitoring for a while and someone we are really excited about. He brings great energy, retains possession well and always looks for the forward pass.

    "He is young and full of enthusiasm to come and play for Southampton. With the ability he has to drive forward from midfield, we think he has some key attributes to really help us - not just in the future, given his age, but here and now in the Premier League."

  11. 'Do we need to change the system, the keeper or both?'published at 12:53 20 August

    Ray Hunt
    Fan writer

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    Despite a spirited performance at St James' Park, a familiar story has emerged, casting an even bigger shadow over the goalkeeping situation.

    Russell Martin and club CEO Phil Parsons had already fielded questions in the week during the annual fans' forum regarding the club's stance on a possible incoming keeper.

    Martin's response was: "I think we're looking to strengthen in a lot of positions. We're stepping up a level. I'd much rather Alex [McCarthy] made mistakes trying to do the right thing now than not. It'd be more of a problem if he didn't try and do what I'm asking him to do."

    More fuel was added to the fire after McCarthy's misplaced pass led to Newcastle's Joelinton slotting home in the closing stages of the first half to secure the points for the hosts.

    However, it is not just McCarthy that has struggled to cope with Martin's distinctive playing style. Injured Gavin Bazunu also came under scrutiny following a series of similar mishaps.

    Speaking after the latest incident, Martin defended his keeper, stating: "It doesn't bother me - Al will be fine. The problem is the few minutes before that and the throw-in shouldn't even end up back at him. He made one mistake, and we've been punished - but it's not just him. It's on me for asking him to play that way, and it's on the players for going back to him in the first place."

    Martin will always defend his players, but a new sweeper-keeper seems essential for our survival, and with the summer window drawing to a close, time is running out to make that happen.

    If all our keepers continue to make the same mistakes, then does the fault lie with Martin?

    Do we need to change the system, the keeper, or both?

    Find more from Ray Hunt at the In that Number podcast, external

    An image detailing how to follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport: "On the app? Tap the bell icon to get news about your club sent to you. Signed in on a browser? Hit 'Follow' to stay up to date.
  12. Saints forward Mara to join Strasbourg for £10.2mpublished at 09:49 20 August

    Nizaar Kinsella
    BBC Sport football news reporter

    Southampton Sekou MaraImage source, Getty Images

    Strasbourg are set to sign Southampton forward Sekou Mara for £10.2m.

    The 22-year-old has travelled to complete a medical and sign a five-year contract at the French top-flight club.

    Mara returns to France after the Saints originally signed the France Under-21 international from Bordeaux for £11m in 2022.

    Southampton have undergone significant change this summer by signing 10 senior players for Russell Martin's first team, including Cameron Archer, Ben Brereton Diaz and Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

  13. Newcastle 1-0 Southampton - the fans' verdictpublished at 12:42 19 August

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    We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Newcastle United and Southampton.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Newcastle fans

    Davey: A very good, battling performance after a blatant piece of cheating from Brereton Diaz. Schar shouldn't have got involved, but the ref was poor all game. We will play a lot better and need a couple of additions just to boost the crowd and freshen the squad. Great to have Big Jo back.

    Gordon: The very epitome of an 'ugly' win. The red card was harsh and spoiled the match as a spectacle, but at least Newcastle defended well and clung on to the points. Luckily Southampton weren't good enough to capitalise on the advantage their play-acting gave them.

    Alex: Hate to say it but before the sending off, and after it in the first half, I thought Southampton were the better team. They were superior technically and impressed me a lot with their skill at playing out from the back and mixing it with long balls to beat the Newcastle press. I will happily take the three points, though!

    Southampton fans

    Cliff: More of the same unfortunately. Lots of possession and shots but, once again, we were unable to take our chances. It's been like this for a long time now - under various managers. If we can't find a top-quality finisher, I'm afraid it's going to be a very long, hard season.

    Joe: We lost because we have a manager who insists on playing out from the back but have a goalkeeper who is incapable of doing that. The manager is too proud to change his system. It is a no-win situation.

    Oliver: I’ve come across many 1-0 losses as a Southampton fan, but this one was spirited and courageous. Gone are the days of back passes late on. Unfortunately, our two fatal flaws - a toothless attack and a careless goalkeeper - were our downfall. We defied the odds to put ourselves in contention, and Ben's provocation worked a charm! Worth the drive!

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  14. How did debutants fare?published at 11:30 19 August

    Cameron Archer and Yukinari SugawaraImage source, Getty Images

    On the latest episode of BBC Radio Solent's Goin' Home With Adam And Jo, former Saints player Jo Tessem gave this thoughts on Cameron Archer, who made his debut as a second-half substitute against Newcastle on Saturday:

    "Because Newcastle were so deep, it was very hard for Archer to find the spaces to run into. He tried very hard with his movement, but it was hard for the players to read him, maybe that's because they haven't trained with him yet.

    "He's better when you can put him one on one. When he has space to run into we can see his strength in there.

    "We lack pace going forward. We are good at playing football, but have we got anyone [else] who can take a player on and go past him? That's the important part in the Premier League. If you can get past the man you are playing against, you will create so much space and that's when you get the goals."

    On fellow debutant Yukinari Sugawara, Tessem added: "He had a really good game. I found it a little bit weird [that he was substituted off]. He stopped a goal and he contributed going forward."

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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  15. 'I'm sure McCarthy will bounce back' - Downespublished at 09:38 19 August

    Flynn DownesImage source, Getty Images

    Southampton midfielder Flynn Downes spoke to BBC Radio Solent's Adam Blackmore after their defeat against Newcastle on Saturday:

    "All of the boys are gutted, it's a tough one to take. We played some good stuff, we created a lot of chances but it just wasn't our day.

    "I think everyone has written us off already, saying we are soft. If you watch the first half an hour, we have to stick to that."

    On Alex McCarthy's mistake, Downes added: "We [the squad] talk all the time. When we play this way, everyone is going to make mistakes. That's the risk we take, because it comes off so many times and we're through. When there's a mistake, everyone jumps on it.

    "Alex has been unreal and I'm sure he'll bounce back from this with no problem."

  16. 🎧Premier League return and Nottingham Forest previewpublished at 11:56 18 August

    Southampton BBC graphic

    The latest episode of 'Goin' Home With Adam And Jo' has landed.

    Adam Blackmore and former Saints player Jo Tessem discuss Southampton's first game back in the Premier League and look ahead to their next match against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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  17. Catch up on the Premier League actionpublished at 11:09 18 August

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    Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Saturday's six Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from Friday's game between Manchester United and Fulham.

    If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

    Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

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  18. Newcastle 1-0 Southampton: Talking pointpublished at 18:05 17 August

    Charlotte Coates
    BBC Sport journalist

    Southampton manager Russell Martin with his hands on his headImage source, Getty Images

    Southampton manager Russell Martin may well have his hands on his head in the image above but there were plenty of positives to take from the defeat to Newcastle.

    The Saints were the side in control from the first whistle as their possession-based game carried over from their successful season in the Championship.

    Newcastle defender Fabian Schar's red card disrupted the flow of the match in the first half but Southampton flew out of the blocks in the second period.

    Ben Brereton Diaz was left in disbelief when his shot on goal was superbly blocked by Magpies left-back Lewis Hall on the goal line.

    That was the closest Southampton came to scoring as they continued to push forward in the second half but they failed to breach a defiant Newcastle defence.

    Despite being unable to finish off any of their many chances, the Saints will go into their match with Nottingham Forest next week full of confidence.

    Southampton will be playing in front of the St Mary's crowd in the Premier League after a year in the Championship and this opening day performance will add fuel to a lively atmosphere.

    An image detailing how to follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport: "On the app? Tap the bell icon to get news about your club sent to you. Signed in on a browser? Hit 'Follow' to stay up to date.