Saints Marching
Fansided

Southampton: Danny Ings must step up this weekend against Chelsea

By Chris Hughes

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 02: Michael Keane of Everton is challenged by Danny Ings of Southampton during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Everton and Southampton at Goodison Park on October 2, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 02: Michael Keane of Everton is challenged by Danny Ings of Southampton during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Everton and Southampton at Goodison Park on October 2, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

This Sunday Southampton face Chelsea in one of many tough fixtures to come between now and Christmas.

However, unlike their match against Liverpool ten days ago which ended in defeat for the Saints, Mark Hughes’ side with be able to field Danny Ings, with the 26-year-old having been ineligible to face his parent club.

But assuming no midweek injuries set the striker back, he’ll be leading the line this weekend as the Saints face Chelsea at St. Mary’s. It’lI be the first time Ings has faced a ‘big team’ since his loan move south.

The Saints have a diabolical league record against the league’s top six, so much so they haven’t won against one since Ronald Koeman defeated Tottenham right at the end of the 2015/16 season. Southampton have now had three managers who have failed to reinstall that giant-killing reputation.

But if anyone can drag the Saints to victory against one of the league’s powerhouses, it’d be the on-form English forward.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 02: Danny Ings of Southampton celebrates following his sides victory in the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Everton and Southampton at Goodison Park on October 2, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 02: Danny Ings of Southampton celebrates following his sides victory in the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Everton and Southampton at Goodison Park on October 2, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /

Ings comes into the game having scored Southampton’s only goal in the midweek clash against Everton – the Saints eventually went through on penalties with the on-loan forward scoring a smart finish in the 44th minute.

More from Saints Marching

The goal was Ings’ fourth of the season – two more than any other Southampton player at this point in the campaign. Considering there was doubts about his arrival, he’s quickly become arguably the side’s most important player.

However, without meaning to play devil’s advocate, Ings hasn’t scored against particularly tough opposition. Palace and Brighton are respectable teams but won’t challenge for Europe, and the striker has more goals against Everton than any other side. This will therefore be a big test.

Chelsea themselves are partial to a high line which comes from their style of play and how much their full-backs get forward. If Ings can exploit that space then there’s no reason he can’t get in behind and score. Southampton have the players to be able to deliver those passes so it’s not totally impossible.

Even if the Saints can’t beat Chelsea, which in truth is more than likely, then it would just be nice to not see Hughes’s side roll over like they did against Liverpool.

The Saints didn’t manage a shot on target until the 90th minute and the Reds didn’t have to leave second gear to win all three points. That was perhaps was what the most disappointing about the loss.

If Ings can step up against a tougher defence this weekend he will not only prove his worth in the long run but also give the Saints a fighting chance. He has to deliver this Sunday.