Last season it was both the Swans and Southampton that performed at a level above what was expected of both of them and they were rewarded with 8th and 7th finishes in the Premier League respectively.

This afternoon the two teams go head to head at St Mary's with the praise of Ronald Koeman ringing in the ears of both of them when he says that they are two teams who like to do things the right way.

Koeman arrived at Southampton ahead of last season and at a time when there was a big departure of players that left many predicting that Southampton would struggle. At Swansea Garry Monk was preparing for his first full season in charge and it was a similar prediction for us.

But both teams started the season well and never left the top half of the table with Saints qualifying for Europe and the Swans recording a best ever Premier League finish and points tally.

The performances of both due strong praise from around the football world which must have been pleasing for both managers given the pre-season predictions.

“Like us, Swansea in my opinion is an example how you have to do the football business,” said the Saints boss.

“They have a very good coach and manager, they try to play attractive football.

“They lost some good players, signed some other good ones and are still fighting for a high position on the table.

"We can compare Swansea to our team and that’s maybe the reason it’s a difficult game for both teams.

“Look back at last season and we won in Swansea and they won here. It’s close and it’s detail that makes the difference today."

Photo: Action Images

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