Southampton look like a decent Premier League force again, and the Saints in the Tavern are loving it…

After another Summer of departures from both players and manager Ronald Koeman, our local Saints fans were concerned that it could be a long season this year and early signs suggested it would be.

The club struggled for goals and wins but in more recent times they have managed to do both and now look like they’ll have a comfortable season under Claude Puel.

The Frenchman has done well to shape his squad into a competitive bunch after what went on over the Summer and players like Charlie Austin and Nathan Redmond have particularly impressed so far this year.

It could prove, however, that for Puel to keep this balance and harmony in the squad he may have to send some players out on loan.

Certainly, our landlord agrees, and reckons these two should go out and get some game-time elsewhere…

Lloyd Isgrove

The Yeovil-born youngster has been on the Saints’ books for some time but has yet to make much of an impact.

At 23, he’s risking not getting to improve if he can’t force his way into the side soon and that is why both parties should consider a loan move for him in January.

He’d surely benefit from such a decision and in the long run Southampton could do too.

Jeremy Pied

As a right-back, Pied faces a lot of competition for the spot at Southampton.

Cedric Soares and Cuco Martina can both play in this position too and seem to be ahead in the pecking order so he may be looking for a move away.

At 27 he’s in his prime and that is why he can’t afford to not be playing every week.