Southampton: Preview of the Saints next 3 matches
If the season ended today Southampton would be safe but only by two points. If they want to stay up they need to get a few results from the coming games.
Let’s take a look at each of the three matches coming up and what I expect from each and where the Saints can pick up critical points.
9 March 2019
Southampton vs Tottenham
Fortunately for the Saints, they only have two matches left against top six sides this season but unfortunately for the Saints, they both are within this three game span. It starts this coming Saturday with a visit from the Spurs.
The first match up was the match before Hasenhuttl took over the club and it saw Southampton fall 3-1 to the Spurs in what was a comfortable win for the London based side.
Coming into this match, Tottenham are holding onto a top 4 position by 4 points and will look to take advantage of a matchup they have dominated the past few seasons. Over the last 12 matchups between these two teams, Tottenham have won 10 of them.
The Saints however, under Hasenhuttl, do not just roll over when it comes to facing the top teams anymore. They have beaten Arsenal, drew at Chelsea, and gave United everything they could handle this past weekend. With Spurs having a midweek match and not being entirely healthy, the big Austrian will look to take advantage of this and cook up a game plan that will keep Southampton competitive in the match and give them a chance at getting a result.
This is not the most talented Southampton side we have seen in recent years but Ralph knows what to do with the talent he has and will give the players an opportunity to succeed against a bigger club at home.
If the Saints are to get a result they are going to have to keep this match as low scoring as possible. There is no-way they can match Tottenham’s offensive fire power so they will have to be defensively strong and take convert their chances whenever they get them.
It is clear Nathan Redmond is our best man on the ball. He can beat defenders on the dribble and it will be up to him to create space and pick out others with penetrating passes that will lead to shots on target.
Predicted score
Southampton 1-2 Tottenham
Next. 3 previous Premier League wins for Saints against Spurs. dark
30 March 2019
Brighton vs. Southampton
After the Spurs visit to St. Mary’s the Saints will get a bit of a break to recharge before heading to the Amex to take on Brighton.
The two sides met earlier on a Monday night that saw the Saints blow a 2-0 lead late in the match thanks to two unanswered Brighton goals.
That was under Mark Hughes though and the defensive woes that plagued the team then have still show its ugly head every once in a while, but things appear to be getting better under Hasenhuttl.
The Gulls are a formidable opponent at their home stadium but they have been struggling late and now find themselves in the relegation scrap. Currently sitting only 3 points ahead of the Saints this match could prove vital for both sides in their fights for safety.
I think this match will play out a lot like the first one expect this time the good guys do not capitulate and see the thing through ‘til the end.
It will be lower scoring than the first time but I suspect the Saints will score quickly then hopefully have the strength to hold on and not concede.
Predicted Score
Brighton 0-2 Southampton
5 April 2019
Southampton vs Liverpool
The now second place Liverpool will travel to St. Mary’s in early April hoping to help their title chances with a result against the Saints.
This will be the first matchup between Hasenhuttl and the man he draws many comparisons with, Jürgen Klopp. The two are familiar with each other and it should be an entertaining subplot to the match. The Austrian will undoubtedly be looking forward to this match and even use it as a test to see where he is as a manager.
More from Saints Marching
- Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 2: Arrivals
- Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
- It’s time to talk about Gavin Bazunu
- Rain clouds on the horizon? Southampton beat Plymouth Argyle
- A lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse
The first match saw the title hopefuls win 3-0 at Anfield and the Saints will look to not let that repeat. Getting the chance to play spoiler to the club that has routinely purchased your players is an opportunity most Saint fans are looking forward to.
This will for sure be a high intensity match and Liverpool will come out swinging. If the Saints can find a way to weather the initial storm or even strike first they will be in a great position to capture a point or more from this match.
The energy at St. Mary’s will have a special feel to it and the players will hopefully respond with high energy and sharp play. If the Saints can strike first and get the Reds on the ropes it could be a night to remember in St. Mary’s.
Predicted Score
Southampton 1-1 Liverpool
Total Points: 4
Points on the season: 31