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Southampton: Next run of games will make or break Saints

By Marc Walker

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Mark Hughes manager of Southampton during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton FC at Molineux on September 29, 2018 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Lynne Cameron/Getty Images)
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Mark Hughes manager of Southampton during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton FC at Molineux on September 29, 2018 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Lynne Cameron/Getty Images) /
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After a disappointing start to the season, it can certainly be argued that the next five Premier League fixtures could define Southampton’s prospects.

One win, two draws and five defeats have come in the opening eight matches of the 2018/19 campaign, and current Southampton boss Mark Hughes may be starting to feel the pressure with his side down in 16th place.

Good results from the next five fixtures could see any fears allayed however and will determine whether Hughes and his side are up to the job of keeping the side in the top-flight.

A trip to Bournemouth at the weekend is followed by Newcastle’s visit to St Mary’s on the 27th, whilst away fixtures at Leicester (Carabao Cup Fourth-Round) and Manchester City follow.

Watford then provide another home clash ahead of November’s international break before a trip to Fulham’s Craven Cottage leads Saints into a busy December.

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 07: Maya Yoshida of Southampton looks dejected after the final whistle during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Chelsea FC at St Mary’s Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 07: Maya Yoshida of Southampton looks dejected after the final whistle during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Chelsea FC at St Mary’s Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images) /

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Apart from the Manchester City game, this is certainly a favourable run. Newcastle and Fulham are placed in and around Saints at the bottom of the table and have also struggled to hit any form so far.

Bournemouth and Watford will be testing considering their starts to the season have them in sixth and ninth respectively, but there is no reason why points can’t be targeted from those games either.

Saints did have a kind start on paper too though and have only managed to amass five points from a possible 24, so a change in mentality needs to be made to make any progress.

With momentum seemingly building in the Carabao Cup after decent wins against Brighton and Everton, the Fourth-Round game at Leicester should also be used to give key players a rest if needed and to help build a winning feeling within the squad.

December sees a hectic time as usual with seven matches crammed in, so it would help to release any increasing tension around the club and the fanbase if the team were to make positive moves.

Having a bad run through the next five would most likely mean another relegation scrap on the horizon, and none of us want that again.