Saints Marching
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Marching On: 7 Keys to Southampton’s Success This Season

By Aaron Preston

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MAY 15: General view of St Mary's Stadium as the teams walk out prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Crystal Palace at St Mary's Stadium on May 15, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MAY 15: General view of St Mary's Stadium as the teams walk out prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Crystal Palace at St Mary's Stadium on May 15, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /
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HERNING, DENMARK - AUGUST 27: The players of Southampton pose for a group photo prior to the UEFA Europa League match between FC Midtjylland and Southampton FC at MCH Arena on August 27, 2015 in Herning, Denmark. (Photo by Lars Ronbog / FrontZoneSport via Getty Images)
HERNING, DENMARK – AUGUST 27: The players of Southampton pose for a group photo prior to the UEFA Europa League match between FC Midtjylland and Southampton FC at MCH Arena on August 27, 2015 in Herning, Denmark. (Photo by Lars Ronbog / FrontZoneSport via Getty Images) /

3. Avoid Fixture Fatigue
Europa League group stage presents a blessing, and a curse. While Southampton have a good chance to firmly establish themselves as a force in Europe, the group stage means that the club will play at least 44 fixtures throughout the regular season.

It’s a congestion that the current generation, Premier League-era squad has not had to deal with; the older veterans, who’ve been through the promotion scale, should adapt well. One hopes that they’ll continue to provide the anchor of the squad, keeping it match-fit and focused throughout.

The extent to which this will be a problem will depend largely on how far Southampton actually gets in the Europa League. While most feel confident that the club will get out of group, the opposition will be stiff to say the least, and depth will be more important than ever.

All in all, a good problem to have if you’re a Southampton fan, but still one that bears watching.

Next: Stepping Up to the Plate