Southampton are looking set for another top season this year, much to the delight of our resident Saints fans here in the Transfer Tavern.

The men from St. Mary’s had, naturally, wondered how they would get on under yet another new manager in Claude Puel but it looks as though things are going to be a pretty decent success if the season so far is anything to go by.

They are once again in the mix for the Europa League spots this season, which is hugely impressive, given that they spend much less money than the sides around them and also often lose their big stars in the summer.

This year was no different with Sadio Mane on his bike but they have got over it and look like they will give anyone a game.

Certainly, they’ll fancy their chances against Crystal Palace this weekend who have lost six on the bounce and our landlord reckons this 4-4-2 will secure them the three points…

GK: Fraser Forster

Forster has been in pretty decent form this season and has kept a number of clean sheets in the process. Saints fans will wonder why he’s not getting the nod for England.

RB: Cedric Soares

Cedric has returned from injury and our resident Saints fans are very pleased to see him. He flies up and down from right-back and gives the club another attacking dimension.

CB: Virgil Van Dijk

Everyone’s favourite topic right now. The Dutch defender is seeing his stock go through the roof at the moment and another good display will only increase matters.

CB: Jose Fonte

The Portugal star has been a little overshadowed by his defensive partner but he has been just as key in the Saints’ recent clean sheets.

Fonte reads the game well and is just as important as Van Dijk.

LB: Ryan Bertrand

The England international is back giving Southampton access to their full-strength defence. He does exactly the same job as Cedric on the right and is also defensively strong.

RM: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

The former Bayern Munich man has shown he is able to play in this position and may be asked to against Palace to help give an added defensive edge. No Dusan Tadic means Saints must reshuffle.

CM: Oriol Romeu

The former Chelsea man is gradually becoming a key player for the Saints and our fans in the Transfer Tavern are signing his praises. He should start here.

CM: James Ward-Prowse

The young midfielder is back in the fold and was impressive on Sunday against Everton. He should have scored in the second half and will be looking for another good display here.

LM: Nathan Redmond

Redmond has been one of the Saints best players so far this season but may have to revert back to his old position for this one. Nevertheless, he’s more than likely to do a good job for the south coast club.

ST: Charlie Austin

Austin has been on fire this season and must play. Saints fans will be hoping he can stay fit because if he does they could be on for a fine season.

ST: Shane Long

Long has been the one to have paid the price most for Austin’s form but he may get a chance here. Having the two both fit and firing is a very exciting proposition for our local Saints fans.

Agree Saints fans? Let us know below…