5 Bold Predictions for Southampton vs. Sunderland in Week 8

In fine form of late, the Southampton forward even earned himself a call-up to the Italian national team. No doubt, his wonder-goal against Queens Park Rangers had a massive hand in that. Of course, Graziano Pelle isn't all flash goals; he works hard too, and has endeared himself to the St Mary's faithful with his productive work ethic. He'll score against Sunderland.

Having had a big-money summer move blocked by the club he's dedicated six years to, the French international is understandably hurting, but all credit to the combative midfielder as he's continuing to give his all to the cause. Expect yet another commanding performance as Morgan Schneiderlin continues to show the big guns exactly what they're missing.

Faced with a number of injuries as Emanuele Giaccherini, Ricky Alvarez and Sebastian Coates are all out, Gus Poyet has been rallying his troops in recent days. No doubt, he'll look to the likes of Connor Wickham to step up to the plate. With Steven Fletcher ahead of him in the goal-scoring stakes, he needs to recapture the form that saved them from relegation, and fast.

A fan of the possession-based school of thought, former Feyenoord and Ajax boss Koeman has all the necessary experience to continue guiding Southampton to overachieve, as it were. Scheduled to become relegation fodder for the big teams, they've not relented, and they've not given up on playing attractive football – something far more than admirable, it should be celebrated.

The Saints should win their upcoming Premier League clash if they apply themselves correctly; they are the favorites for this one. Not many could have predicted just how well they'd cope with the mass exodus when the season started, but they really are marching on with pomp and purpose. A final score of 3-1 if their big stars don't let up is doable.