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Southampton: Analysing the key spells for Saints in 2018/19

By Marc Walker

WIGAN, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Mark Hughes new manager of Southampton looks on prior to The Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Wigan Athletic and Southampton at DW Stadium on March 18, 2018 in Wigan, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
WIGAN, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Mark Hughes new manager of Southampton looks on prior to The Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Wigan Athletic and Southampton at DW Stadium on March 18, 2018 in Wigan, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) /
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The fixtures for the 2018/19 Premier League season were released at this morning, and Southampton will kick-off with a home game against Burnley.

This game against the Clarets will signify the beginning of the first season with Mark Hughes in permanent charge of his Southampton side, but he and players will understand that the campaign will have a long way to go after that.

Some runs of fixtures seem to resemble what the Saints had to contend with in 2017/18 so, with this in mind, which spells are likely to define whether there will be success of failure this year?

The first five are always vital to create a platform for teams, and Southampton have a favourable start on paper. Following the clash with Burnley, they face Everton away, Leicester City at home, Crystal Palace away and Brighton at home.

This beginning is similar to the first five under Mauricio Pellegrino last time out. They then came up against Swansea, West Ham, Huddersfield, Watford and Crystal Palace; gaining eight points from a possible 15.

Next: Boufal's move back to France gathering pace

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Nathan Redmond of Southampton is put under pressure from Joel Ward of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Southampton at Selhurst Park on September 16, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Nathan Redmond of Southampton is put under pressure from Joel Ward of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Southampton at Selhurst Park on September 16, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

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Despite this fairly positive start, things would go downhill quickly from there. Two wins in the following 20 games saw them dragged towards the bottom of the table and leave it to Hughes to come in and rescue them from relegation.

Once again though, it looks like December might be the toughest period of 2018/19. Saints will face Manchester United, Spurs, Arsenal and Manchester City in this month. Cardiff, Huddersfield and West Ham make up the opponents in the lead up to Christmas.

Last season also saw a similar run. Four points from seven games came from December 2017 and included fixtures with Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs and Manchester United.

It seems as though matches against the ‘big six’ teams are generally spread out for Saints for the upcoming year. The first of these clashes comes with an away trip to Liverpool’s Anfield on September 22nd, and December is the first time that two ‘big six’ teams are played in a row.

A significantly more favourable run-in comes in 2018/19 when compared to 2017/18. Wolves, Newcastle, Bournemouth, West Ham and a final day home match with Huddersfield should hopefully mean a lot less pressure and nerves for everyone involved come May.

Decent starts and ends to the season coupled with an improved, attacking mindset under Mark Hughes’ leadership could see Saints return to the more comfortable mid-table area. Forward progress is needed this and could see St Mary’s return to a vibrant and positive place again.