Southampton 2-0 Bournemouth - as it happened

1. Davis converts from fine Bertrand cross
2. Pelle heads in second from Tadic cross
3. Wanyama sent off for two yellow cards
4. Saints move up to seventh in table

Goodbye!

That's another weekend of Premier League action done and dusted. Well, sort of. Of course we have the small matter of Tottenham and Aston Villa tomorrow night - without Tim Sherwood of course. Perhaps he will be following our live text and radio commentary, and make sure you do too! See you tomorrow....

Stats of the day

• Southampton are unbeaten in their last six league meetings with Bournemouth (W5 D1).
• The Cherries have failed to score on six of their nine visits to Southampton in the league.
• Southampton are unbeaten at home in league competition against Bournemouth, winning seven and drawing two.

Davis happy with scoring form

Southampton's opening goalscorer Steven Davis has now netted twice in his last four Premier League appearances - after scoring two in his previous 86 games.

"It has been nice to get on the scoresheet, it was frustrating when I didn't manage to," he tells BBC Sport.

"It was a well worked team goal and so was the second. We were delighted with the first half, frustrated with the second. It's something we are going to have to look at, although we did expect them to produce a reaction and put pressure on us."

Francis frustrated by defeat

Bournemouth captain Simon Francis: "It is another frustrating result for us. We're going behind in games then playing our best stuff afterwards. We're asking ourselves why we can't start games like that. We try to get the ball down and pass the ball, but we didn't do that in the first half."

Manager reaction - Howe

"I thought the second half was everything we wanted the first to be. We were off the pace first half and Southampton played well. It was a reverse in the second but the only thing missing were goals.

"We wanted a bit more pace after the break. We got our passing rhythm going in the second half. The overall performance and work ethic was very good.

"Technically we showed we can compete. Our passing and movement were to a high level. We need to cut out the mistakes."

Eddie Howe Bournemouth manager

Player reaction

Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk: "We have to learn not to let our second-half performance drop, we did the same against Leicester. In the end we got a 2-0 win and a clean sheet - it was an important win. So it was a good day. we need to look at ourselves, we gave them the opportunity to come back and gave them confidence. We need to do much better and find a solution. With the quality we have we need to keep going."

Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 Live at St Mary's

There will be things that Eddie Howe can take from this game and look forward with optimism.

Manager reaction

"The first 45 minutes was the best football so far this season. Good movement and great goals. We learned a bit from the Leicester game at 2-0 to defend better. Always an opponent will give a reaction and you have to deal with that. We lost balls and had no control. We need to do that better.

"In every Premier League game, even at 2-0 up is difficult. You need good defending and more control and to win every battle. Still, I think it was a very good performance.

"We know we can play fantastic football. If we take that and learn from the second half we will finish in a high position.

[On Jose Fonte's injury] "We will have to wait until tomorrow. He had some pain in his hamstring so we didn't want to take the risk."

Ronald Koeman Southampton manager

FULL-TIME

A tale of two halves is shown by the average positions of all 22 players. The first half shows Southampton's XI were on the front foot, while Bournemouth hardly made it out of their own half.

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But the same graphic after 90 minutes shows Southampton were forced back by Bournemouth's increased attacking play after the break.

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FULL-TIME

Saints boss Ronald Koeman is smiling as he faces the cameras in the St Mary's tunnel. But he might not have been if Bournemouth found a breakthrough. The Dutchman reckons his side's first-half performance was the best he had seen this season, but prefers to pin their second-half struggles on Bournemouth's intensity rather than their own deficiencies. Full quotes to come shortly....

FULL-TIME

Here's the evidence that Bournemouth were 'plucky'/'brave'/'unlucky'. The Cherries hardly had a kick in the first half, but their improved performance after the break helped them to shade possession and territory over the 90 minutes.

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Get Involved

Arthur Fane: Good 2nd half from Cherries, but will be patronisingly described as ‘plucky’ I’m sure. Fear from them without a decent striker.

Player reaction

Southampton striker Graziano Pelle on Sky Sports: "We worked hard because Bournemouth were trying to reduce the gap. We need to improve in some parts when we are winning 2-0."

Southampton midfielder Steven Davis on Sky Sports: "We were happy with how we played first half and knew they would come out in the second. There are things we can improve on, particularly in keeping hold of the ball.

"It is nice to get in the right areas and score. It was an important goal at an important time.

"Gradually we are getting better each game. It is important now to put a run together."

FULL-TIME

Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 Live at St Mary's

First half was abut the performance from Southampton but second half was about the result. In the first half they were really impressive but after the break it was a whimper. There is much more to Saints than that second half, but job done. Bournemouth were much better and started to ask questions but lacked the quality to make that count.

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FULL-TIME

That victory means Saints are now unbeaten in five Premier League matches, moving them up to seventh in the table. Bournemouth stay 17th, one point away from danger. Their next match? Third-bottom Newcastle at home. Huge.

FULL-TIME

All over! Huge relief from Southampton after surviving that second half onslaught. Talk about a game of two halves! Southampton dominant before the break to lead 2-0, Bournemouth showing great spirit and determination in the second half. But they couldn't score and paid the price.

Reuters

....but Adam Smith cannot keep his header down when he meets Junior Stanislas's deep corner. That should be about that...

Bournemouth are still plugging away, forcing another corner through Josh King....

INJURY TIME

Four minutes of injury-time. Four minutes for Bournemouth to snatch the unlikeliest of points...

Bournemouth are still knocking on the Southampton door. I'm not sure how they haven't scored. Ah, here's partly the reason why - poor finishing. Junior Stanislas shanks one wide from 15 yards to huge, relieved cheers from the home fans.

The primary concern of Southampton's 10 men now is to keep Bournemouth out. But they do spring forward - for the first time in a while - as Steven Davis's low ball flashes across the away goal.

Lee Tomlin has injected some energy into this Bournemouth side since his arrival. The forward wriggles into space after picking up the ball on the left edge of the Saints box, driving a low left-foot shot towards the near post. But the legs of home keeper Marten Stekelenburg block his shot.

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Final five

Tempted to think that this game is over as we enter the final five? Don't be silly. Bournemouth are still making all the running - a goal now would set up a grandstand finish. But they have to be quick....

Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 Live at St Mary's

The way Southampton are set I don't know if they could have got out of this mindset of just defending if Bournemouth had scored. They have gone from such an attacking way of playing to almost subservience.

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Chaos in the Saints box as Junior Stanislas pings in another corner from the left side. Saints try to clear, Bournemouth try to prod goalwards. The ball is partially cleared to Matt Ritchie, whose drive from 25 yards is blocked by a home body.

Ronald Koeman is up on his feet, urging calm from his players as they concede another corner...

The Bournemouth fans are making all the noise inside St Mary's as they urge their side to find a foothold in the game. Junior Stanislas' first corner is cleared by the Saints defence, before his second delivery is met by Dan Gosling's head. But the Cherries midfielder can't keep the ball down and Southampton survive...

Adam Williams

BBC Sport at St Mary's

An absolutely needless challenge by Victor Wanyama on Lee Tomlin as the Kenya international had been keeping things in check for the hosts despite Bournemouth's increased pressure this half.

A goal here for the visitors would set up a very interesting finish to this one.

Reuters

Junior Stanislas stands over the free-kick again. This time he doesn't even make it over the wall. Deflected over for a corner....

Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 Live at St Mary's

It is a crazy challenge. Wanyama doesn't have to make it. He is going nowhere, Tomlin. No complaints from him, though.

RED CARD - Wanyama

Moments ago, we spoke about Bournemouth sub Lee Tomlin providing a more direct approach - and that is what he has done. Tomlin charges through the Saints side from deep, forcing Victor Wanyama into hacking him down 25 yards out. A second booking for the Kenyan - and yellow + yellow = red.

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Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 Live at St Mary's

It makes you wonder what kind of performance would have got from Southampton had Glenn Murray scored at the end of the first half? Would they have come out with greater pace and purpose?

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Here's a move which ended with Harry Arter having a pop at goal in the 70th minute. Look how many times Bournemouth passed the ball. But should they sacrifice the nice football and be more direct now? Lee Tomlin's arrival might signal that...

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Saints need something to settle their jitters here. Victor Wanyama has a crack from outside the Bournemouth box, dragging his low shot wide.

Get Involved

Dave More: The gulf between Prem & Championship. Tomlin, best player in Champ last year, coming off the bench for the Prem's bottom club.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman is moaning on the home bench - he can't believe the difference in his side's performance. He decides to bring a change, shoring up his midfield with the arrival of Oriol Romeu for Jordy Clasie. Bournemouth make their final change shortly after, midfielder Harry Arter replaced by striker Lee Tomlin. Positive.

Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 Live at St Mary's

Southampton are at 50%, whereas they were at 150% in the first half.

Reuters

PENALTY APPEAL

Bournemouth are piling on the pressure! And the 3,000 or so away fans think they should have a penalty. Saints defender Cedric appears to stick his arm out to block a Cherries ball into the box. Oooh, close. I'd like to have another look at that before committing to a decision. Ref Craig Pawson says no though and his opinion is the one which matters.

Get Involved

Simon Anderson: Leicester & Chelsea have dominated the headlines. But Southampton rebuilding, yet again, from key losses is a great achievement.

Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 Live at St Mary's

Bournemouth have a foothold in the game now. All they need is a bit of quality to make something happen. They have got in to some good areas but haven't been able to take advantage. It is almost a role-reversal from the first half but the difference is that Southampton are better at the defensive side and Bournemouth aren't as good in attack.

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Junior Stanislas is eyeing this one up - but does not manage to get enough curl on his effort. Saints keeper Marten Stekelenburg had that covered anyway...

Ironic jeers from the packed away end as Bournemouth are awarded a free-kick about 25 yards out following Harry Arter's dynamic run at the heart of the Saints defence. Decent chance this...

Here's what the number crunchers make of the second half so far - all Bournemouth? But can they make it count?

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YELLOW CARD - Gosling

Referee Craig Pawson decides to scrawl the name of Bournemouth midfielder Dan Gosling in his notebook. Gosling's offence is an over-exuberant sliding challenge, along with a few post-foul verbals.

Southampton create their first effort of the second half out of nothing. Dusan Tadic shows neat control to work himself an inch or two about 25 yards out, thumping a speculative left-foot shot that arcs wide of the left post. Remarkably, Saints are only leading the shots-on-target tally - as well as the score - 2-0.

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Alan Green

BBC Radio 5 live at St Mary's

The longer it goes without a Bournemouth goal the more the chance of Southampton rediscovering their first-half form and potentially making it three, four, five-nil.

Reuters

Adam Williams

BBC Sport at St Mary's

Certainly a brighter start to this second half from Bournemouth with the introduction of Junior Stanislas and Joshua King in a front-three alongside Matt Ritchie.

But, Southampton still look like they are comfortable holding them at arms-length and remain a threat on the counter.

The Saints fans are becoming a little edgy now. A few jeers as a sloppy home pass allows Adam Smith to break down the Bournemouth right again. But the full-back's standard of delivery is worse than a lazy postman's, over-hitting his cross towards the far post.

YELLOW CARD

Ouch! Bournemouth skipper Simon Francis flies into a meaty challenge on Graziano Pelle. Think it is known as a 'reducer' these days. Ref Craig Pawson isn't buying Francis's claim that he won the ball. Yellow.

Bournemouth are swarming over Southampton so far in this second half. Their heat map, on the right, makes much better reading. Southampton are penned back.

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Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 Live at St Mary's

Bournemouth are doing better and Southampton have yet to reach the heights of the first half. The tempo has gone out of the home side. They are holding Bournemouth at arm's length, which is a dangerous game as they will have to suddenly up things if they concede.

Matt Ritchie's corner from the right is cleared by the Saints defence, but only as far as the halfway line. Bournemouth fans find their voice as their side shows signs of life. Right-back Adam Smith - one of the Cherries's most potent attacking threats - dances towards the Saints box, but his cutback is not read by any of his team-mates and finds a red and white shirt.

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This doesn't count as a golden chance, but it is the best sight of goal yet for the Cherries. Half-time substitute Junior Stanislas finds a bit of space on the edge of the home box, his shot being deflected wide for the away side's first corner of the game.

Bournemouth still making a fight of hauling themselves back into this match. They have been inside the Saints half more in the past four minutes than the entire first half. No golden chances yet though...

Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 Live at St Mary's

It is a good move from Bournemouth. King has pace to burn and this could offer a little test for him in the role up front on his own. Eddie Howe will look for him to get about and make a nuisance of himself.

Much, much brighter from Bournemouth in these opening moments of the second half. Well, it couldn't have been much worse. Dan Gosling tries his luck from a central position about 25 yards out, but his effort sails over the Saints bar into the stands. And moments later, right-back Adam Smith charges forward, only to pump too much into his pass which is to strong for Josh King.

KICK-OFF

Saints also make a change of their own, Japan defender Maya Yoshida enters the fray in place of Jose Fonte. Not sure if that is tactical or enforced at the moment...

Reuters

SUBSTITUTIONS

Few smiles on the faces of the Bournemouth players as they trudge out of the St Mary's tunnel. And there are two new faces in the Cherries ranks. Attack-minded duo Josh King and Junior Stanislas - lively in the midweek defeat at Liverpool - replace Glenn Murray and Marc Pugh.

HALF-TIME

Think that is a bit harsh Sibs. Any side would struggle with the injuries to key players like Bournemouth have. Wilson, Gradel, Elphick, Arter....

Get Involved

Sibs: Feel for Bournemouth with their injuries, this team reminds me of Derby when they got 11pts. Hopelessly out of their depth.

HALF-TIME

Southampton aren't quite at the same level of world dominance as Rugby World Cup champions New Zealand, but there are similarities....

HALF-TIME

Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 Live at St Mary's

From a neutral point of view, it would have been better for Bournemouth to score first. But now we are in danger of a one-sided affair. Southampton are very good value for their lead.

Get Involved

Euan Broderick: Games like this make you realise how essential Calum Wilson is to Bournemouth, not the same without him.  

HALF-TIME

The average position graphic continues to look pretty bleak for Bournemouth. They are camped inside their own half.

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HALF-TIME

Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 Live at St Mary's

It is proper exhibition stuff from Southampton. There is movement all over the pitch, width and balance.

HALF-TIME

And that late chance for Glenn Murray is as good as the first half got for Bournemouth. Southampton have out-run, out-passed and out-scored their south coast rivals, fully deserving their half-time advantage. Only a miracle will stop the Saints extending their unbeaten run to five matches...

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Any chance of Bournemouth avoiding that unwanted record? Yes! The Cherries throw themselves forward in the last throes of the first half, Glenn Murray shooting low from a tight angle, only for Saints defender Virgil van Dijk to block.

An unwanted record

The only side (before today) to not attempt a single shot in the first half of a PL game this season were Man Utd v Man City last weekend.

You know your side is suffering a pasting when the opposition fans are greeting every pass with an 'Ole' before half-time. The Saints fans are enjoying themselves, goading their south coast rivals in the away end. but they aren't cheering a third goal as Sadio Mane's cross from the right is cleared.

That's now 12 goals conceded in nearly two-and-a-half Premier League matches by the Cherries. Eddie Howe's men have offered little going forward either today, barely breaking out of their own half. The visitors try to make some inroads, but are quickly closed down by Clasie and Wanyama as Saints win back possession.

Adam Williams

BBC Sport at St Mary's

Five minutes of sublime football from Southampton deservedly sees them two goals ahead.

Bournemouth's attemps to out-muscle Saints in midfield has back-fired.

You fear for Eddie Howe's side now knowing how brittle they have been defensively in their last two Premier League games.

Reuters

Get Involved

David Ljunggren: You have to start to worry about Bournemouth's chances of staying up this season. They look very, very poor.

Southampton have now scored six headed goals this season in the Premier League (the most); twice as many as they did in 2014-15 overall (3).  

Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 Live at St Mary's

He has out-muscled Distin there. The defender had time to get across him and head clear but Pelle attacked the ball and got right in there. Distin has to do better. Pelle gets this sort of service at home and he thrives on it. Bournemouth need to be careful now they don't get another hiding.

Reuters

GOAL - Southampton 2-0 Bournemouth

Easy peasy. Southampton double their lead with another moment of quality. Dusan Tadic peels off to the left flank, teasing right-back Adam Smith before knocking in a delicious cross from the byeline. And Graziano Pelle is alert to beat the stone-footed Bournemouth defenders with a powerful header into the corner.

A quality goal deserves a quality celebration - and that is what it gets. Pelle races over to the bench to do an Italian version of the All Blacks 'Haka' war-dance with, what we believe to be, a Kiwi member of the Saints backroom staff.

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Steven Davis has scored two goals in his last four PL apps, after scoring two in his previous 86 PL apps combined.

How the goal was scored

Southampton passed Bournemouth off the park... then put the ball in the back of the net. A perfect team goal.

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Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 Live at St Mary's

What a fantastic goal, full of quality and movement. They have threatened this but haven't made the most of it until now. Bertrand's ball in was great. They made no mistake and it is no more than they deserve.

GOAL - Southampton 1-0 Bournemouth

Southampton have the breakthrough! It has been all one-way traffic and finally the home side manage to get what they deserve. Ryan Bertrand's low cross from the left, after a neat flick by Graziano Pelle, finds Steven Davis unmarked at the far post. And it is an easy tap-in for the Saints midfielder.

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Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 Live at St Mary's

A goal from Southampton would open the game up. A goal from Bournemouth would make it a good spectacle. Either way, the game needs a goal. It just shows how Bournemouth have changed in that the away end here has more fans in than I used to play in front of at home.

Just confirmation that Bournemouth striker Glenn Murray has, indeed, had a touch of the ball.

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Adam Federici and the football are not in a loving relationship right now. The Bournemouth keeper tries to leather the ball with his fist again, this time when Sadio Mane's cross comes in from the right. But his defence come to his rescue to hack clear.

That came moments after the home fans claimed a penalty after Jordy Clasie's shot hit Simon Francis's hands. Not a chance.

Get Involved

N.J.P.: Federici must hate footballs considering how much he punches them. Love the ball, Adam. Give it a cuddle.  

What a waste! Bournemouth's players get themselves into a muddle in their not-so-clever set-piece routine, allowing the home side to nick the ball off the toe of Matt Ritchie.

YELLOW CARD - Wanyama

Right then, here's a chance for Bournemouth. Cherries right-back Adam Smith tries to correct the away side's lop-sided attack (see the graphic below) as he cuts in from the right flank to win a free-kick in a dangerous position - after a rash challenge by Victor Wanyama - about 30 yards out...    

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Adam Williams

BBC Sport at St Mary's

Southampton with their tails up in this one so far.

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe will be concerned that his five-man midfield are already failing to squeeze the space for Southampton out wide.

Both Sadio Mane and Dusan Tadic have found room to run at the visiting defence in the opening stages.

Reuters

Southampton have been excellent in these opening 20 minutes, pinging the ball around quickly, with the sharp movement of Tadic and Mane particularly causing bother. Tadic dinks up a free-kick from out on the right flank, but Cherries defender Simon Francis sticks his forehead on the ball to clear.

The graphic below shows the average position of every player so far. Other than the goalkeeper, just two Saints players have an average position behind the halfway line.

Bournemouth? They only have three who have ventured forward.

One-way traffic.

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Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 Live at St Mary's

Federici has apologised from punching there. That attack stemmed from him not catching it. It is a sign that maybe he is lacking confidence. They are still in it. That is about as good as you can say from a Bournemouth perspective.

Another minute, another chance for the Saints. But these efforts aren't going marching into the Cherries net. The culprit? Sadio Mane again. The Senegal forward is lurking in the middle of the away penalty box, meeting Graziano Pelle's headed knockdown with  a fierce half-volley. Too fierce actually, as it sails over the crossbar. Big let-off for Cherries keeper Adam Federici, who weak punch went straight back to the home side in the build-up to that chance.

Saints are hogging the ball like the most talented kid in the playground does. Another chance falls to the feet of Sadio Mane, whose shot is deflected wide by Sylvain Distin. Looks like only a matter of time before the home side draw first blood...

Reuters

Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 Live at St Mary's

Encouraging for Bournemouth. They are getting men into the box. The right-back was squeezing up there on Sadio Mane as he tried to get the ball cleared. Surman is sitting just in front of the back four.

Bournemouth aren't afraid to pour forward - which is probably why they are susceptible to leaking them in at the other end. Harry Arter tries to put through Glenn Murray, but Saints defender Virgil van Dijk steams across to deal with the danger.

Bournemouth have barely had a touch yet. Apart from defensive clearances. Here's another one as Simon Francis sticks his frame in the way to turn Graziano Pelle's effort over the crossbar. And Cherries keeper Adam Federici is alert to punch clear the Saints' first corner of the match.

Reuters

Bournemouth are already rocking a little here. Saints midfielder Dusan Tadic finds right-back Cedric Soares on the overlap, but his cross is a little strong and goes flying over the head of Graziano Pelle.

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Southampton are enjoying some more joy down the left touchline. Sadio Mane beats the Cherries offside trap to collect Graziano Pelle's through ball, but red and white shirts do not arrive quickly enough and the chance disappears.

Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 Live at St Mary's

Bournemouth's system, with five in the middle, is set up to keep it tight for the first 15-20 minutes. They cannot afford to fall behind.

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Rapid start from Southampton, who burst down the left almost straight from kick-off. But Ryan Bertrand's cross cannot be headed goalwards and the Cherries clear.

KICK-OFF

After a minute's silence to remember everyone associated with Southampton who has died during the last year, both teams have a pre-match huddle. Then ref Craig Pawson toots his whistle again and we are under way!

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LINE-UPS

Southampton: Stekelenburg, Cedric Soares, Fonte, van Dijk, Bertrand, Wanyama, Clasie, Steven Davis, Mane, Tadic, Pelle. Subs: Kelvin Davis, Yoshida, Romeu, Ward-Prowse, Juanmi, Ramirez, Caulker. 

Bournemouth: Federici, Smith, Francis, Distin, Daniels, Ritchie, Surman, Gosling, Pugh, Arter, Murray. Subs: MacDonald, King, Kermorgant, Stanislas, Allsop, Tomlin, Cargill. 

Referee: Craig Pawson (South Yorkshire)

Who said this derby didn't matter? They were talking rubbish. St Mary's is buzzing as the players emerge out of their changing rooms and into the tunnel. A rousing rendition of 'When The Saints Go Marching In' is met with plenty of noise from a packed away end. Plenty of smiles from the travelling Cherries fans - they would never have thought back in 2010-11 that their next meeting with Southampton would be in the Premier League. Or if any of them did then I hope they put a pound on it.

Reuters

Get Involved

Mark: Most Saints fans have a soft spot for Bournemouth. We want to win today, but I'm pleased they are in the Premier League and hope they stay up.   

Rich, Bournemouth: Being a Bournemouth fan but working in Southampton, I'm hoping we can avoid defeat just so I can show up to work tomorrow!    

Stats of the day

• Southampton have never lost at home to Bournemouth, winning seven games and drawing four in all competitions.
• Bournemouth's last league victory over Saints was in 1958 in the old Third Division.
• Southampton are unbeaten in their last four league matches (W2, D2).
• Bournemouth have won just one of their last seven Premier League games, losing four and drawing two.

'Koeman gives a lot of love'

Kevin Kilbane

Former Sunderland and Everton winger on BBC Radio 5 live

Southampton may have sold players but they have spent money too. Virgil Van Dijk and Cedric Soares look like good buys and Ronald Koeman seems incredibly relaxed. He seems to have a good rapport with the players and gives them a lot of love. Koeman wouldn’t be there if the club didn’t want him and it suits him too.

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Who are you?

Not sure if the St Mary's PA announcer is being a bit mischievous in his pre-match music selection here. The Who's classic 'Who Are You?' pumps out - surely not a dig at the Cherries hardly ever being in the same league as the Saints? Maybe I'm over thinking it...

Koeman hopes for new rivalry

So we have concluded that this derby doesn't quite have the history or intensity of many others in the English game. But Southampton manager Ronald Koeman is hopeful that the two sides can build a Premier League rivalry over the next few years.

"I hope that they will stay in the Premier League so that we will get a few years in a row to play against each other," says the Dutchman.

"Everybody will have more attention to the game, and that makes it a little bit more special."

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Saints out of trouble

Trevor Sinclair

Former England winger on BBC Radio 5 live

I was concerned for Southampton early on in the season, I thought maybe you can replace your best players one season but not year after year. But Victor Wanyama and Sadio Mane have stepped up and they look to have got their recruitment spot on again.

Southampton team news

Adam Williams

BBC Sport at St Mary's

Just four names remain on the starting team sheet for Ronald Koeman's men from the 2-1 win against Aston Villa in the League Cup on Wednesday.

But, that game allowed attacking midfielder Sadio Mane to get his one-match suspension for his dismissal against Liverpool out of the way.

He returns to partner Dusan Tadic and Steven Davis behind striker Graziano Pelle. 

Reuters

Get involved

Derby day tension? Or just another game? I'm interested to know what this match means to Saints and Cherries fans. Don't be shy, pick up your mobile and tell us. Whatever is on your mind today - game-related of course - then we want to know. Will Saints be too strong for injury-hit Bournemouth? Or can the Cherries build on that encouraging performance at Anfield in midweek? Go, go, go!

'A derby with a novelty factor'

Simon Brotherton

MOTD commentator at St Mary's

"It's a derby with a certain novelty factor for the fans. The two grounds are just 31 miles apart, but this is only the second season the clubs have been in the same division in 55 years.

"It comes at a tricky time for Bournemouth, who have conceded five goals in each of their last two league matches and have been understandably affected by the loss of key players through injury.

"In contrast, Southampton have lost only one of the last eight in the league. On current form, their record of never having lost a league match at home to their south coast rivals has every chance of continuing."

No sentiment for Surman

The camera pans on to Bournemouth midfielder Andrew Surman, who receives a warm round of applause from the earlybirds in the home stands. That's because Surman is returning to his former club today for the first time in six-and-a-half years.

"It is a massive day for me, I've not been back since I left," he says. "It was great walking through the door again, although a lot has changed since I was here. Obviously it is a special day but I've got to put that to one side. We want three points.

"There is always an edge when it is a derby, although this one is not really known because the two teams have not played each other very often. But it is still a massive day.

"We've got nothing to lose, we will try to attack it and hope to come away with three points."

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Bournemouth team news

Adam Williams

BBC Sport at St Mary's

A tale of two players for the visiting Cherries this afternoon.

A landmark moment for midfielder Harry Arter who starts his first top-flight game after five months out with an ankle injury. But defender Steve Cook misses his first league game since 1 February 2014.

Only three changes for Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe from the 1-0 midweek League Cup defeat at Anfield, with Dan Gosling, Andrew Surman and Glenn Murray returning.

Cherries defence turns sour

BBC

Artur Boruc was the man who had to keep picking the ball out of the net against Tottenham last weekend - but he does not face his former club today. The Poland international is out with a thigh injury as Adam Federici, who made some smart saves against Liverpool, keeps his spot.

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Haven't seen you in a while

Adam Williams

BBC Sport at St Mary's

BBC Sport

A friendly and warm atmosphere around the ground ahead of this one with both sets of fans happily mingling with each other.

The last time these two sides met in a competitive fixture was March 2011 in League One.

Rickie Lambert's goal two minutes from time sealed a 3-1 victory for Saints.  

Bournemouth team news

Injury-hit Bournemouth do not have the luxury of making huge changes to the team which lost at Liverpool in midweek. Republic of Ireland midfielder Harry Arter makes his first Premier League start following injury.

Bournemouth XI: Federici, Smith, Francis, Distin, Daniels, Ritchie, Gosling, Surman, Arter, Pugh, Murray.

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Southampton team news

The big guns are back for Southampton, who fielded a much-changed side in Wednesday's League Cup win against Aston Villa. Captain Jose Fonte and England left-back Ryan Bertrand are among the returning players.

Southampton XI: Stekelenburg, Cedric, Fonte, Van Dijk, Bertrand, Wanyama, Clasie, S. Davis, Tadic, Mane, Pelle.

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The 'other' south coast derby

As far as derbies are concerned, it is far to say that this south coast clash is not really on the radar. And with good reason. The two clubs, separated by 30 miles or so, have only been divisional rivals once in 54 previous seasons before Bournemouth joined the Premier League party.

The last time they met? Chelsea were chugging along nicely at the top of the Premier League. Jose Mourinho was the darling of the Bernabeu. And Eddie Howe was masterminding Bournemouth's fortunes. At least some things don't change (conveniently forgetting about his brief time at Burnley)....

Everton v Liverpool. Newcastle v Sunderland. Arsenal v Tottenham. Debating the fiercest local derbies in the pub with your mates would throw up the usual answers. Southampton v Portsmouth would get plenty of shouts too. But Southampton v Bournemouth? Not a chance.

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Welcome to our live page for Southampton v Bournemouth. We'll have text commentary here from 15:00 GMT. You can keep up to date with all the action from Everton v Sunderland here.