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Here’s Every Southampton Path to Europa League Knockouts

By Aaron Preston

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Preimer Leauge footballs on the ptich prior to kick off during the Premier League match between Southampton and Sunderland at St Mary's Stadium on August 27, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Preimer Leauge footballs on the ptich prior to kick off during the Premier League match between Southampton and Sunderland at St Mary's Stadium on August 27, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /
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As we wind down the Europa League group stage, Southampton have many potential paths to the next round. Let’s break down the possibilities.

Southampton’s historic 2-1 victory over Inter Milan last week puts the Saints second in their Europa League group. Sitting on 7 points, they’re two off first-placed Sparta Praha and three clear of Hapoel Be’er Sheva, who lost 2-0 to Sparta in last time out. With group-stage action heating up, Saints are on the cusp of making history and stamping their ticket to Europa’s knockout rounds. Here’s a look at how the next two fixtures shape up, and what’s at stake for the club.

Sparta Praha vs Southampton (24 November, Generali Arena, Prague)

A win here puts Southampton first in group but does not, by itself, secure advancement. A draw would preserve the current gap between Saints and Sparta at 2 points, but again, would not secure advancement for the opposition. Sparta can, however, stamp their ticket with a win at home.

On the other end, Southampton faithful should probably be wishing for a good result for Inter against Hapoel Be’er Sheva. With the Nerazzuri on a measly 3 points, their race is all but run and a win would only move them up to 3rd regardless of Saints’ result.

A draw would also be a preferable result, though this could potentially draw Hapoel within striking distance on the final matchday and set up a winner-take-all scenario at St. Mary’s as the sides face each other. The worst possible result would be a Hapoel win and Southampton loss, though Saints would likely retain 2nd place on goal difference.

Related Story: Saints March Over Inter, Into Second in Europa League Group

Southampton vs Hapoel Be’er Sheva (8 December, St. Mary’s Stadium, Southampton)

If the Saints won at Sparta AND Inter defeated or drew Hapoel, this match means little to Hapoel as they will have been eliminated. They can, however, potentially play spoiler; a Southampton loss on the final match-day sets up some interesting possibilities depending on how Inter shakes out.

If Inter defeated Hapoel AND defeat Sparta AND Southampton lose to Hapoel, the result is a 3-way tie on 9 points and it would come down to goal difference to determine who advances.

Next: Looking Back: Our Group K Saints Predictions

A Saints win at Sparta with a Hapoel win over Inter keeps Hapoel in the mix but in need of a win to advance. In this scenario they’d end up on level points with Southampton at 10 apiece, with the exact finishing order decided on goal difference.

If Saints lost at Sparta, regardless of the Hapoel-Inter outcome, the last day becomes a must-win as either Hapoel (with a win vs Inter or draw vs Saints) or Inter (with a win vs Hapoel) can potentially pip the Saints to second.