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Southampton: Three Bold Predictions for Saints’ 2021-22 Season

By Erik Franzo

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MAY 15: Nathan Redmond of Southampton congratulates team-mate Nathan Tella after he sets up Theo Walcott to score Saints third goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Fulham at St Mary's Stadium on May 15, 2021 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MAY 15: Nathan Redmond of Southampton congratulates team-mate Nathan Tella after he sets up Theo Walcott to score Saints third goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Fulham at St Mary's Stadium on May 15, 2021 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images) /
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 04: Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool and Ralph Hasenhuttl of Southampton (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 04: Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool and Ralph Hasenhuttl of Southampton (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images) /

Southampton Will Take 13 Points from Big 6 Clubs

In 2020-21 Southampton took just 6 points from the Big 6 after gaining 12 points off those clubs in 2019-20.

Ralph loves having a go at the top clubs, dropping to his knees after beating Liverpool following personal COVID-19 isolation.  He has bested every Top 6 side in his Saints tenure believe it or not.  That is reflective of his reckless pressing tactics which invite the best sides to play a more open style of football.  These teams are used to sitting in possession, attempting to break down a low block, but Ralph’s plans trick even the most professional players into impromptu adjustments of well-regimented muscle memory.  A common quote from a Big 6 opponent is how surprised they were that we pressed them so highly.

Sure, it goes comically wrong.  The 2nd of February, 2021 Exhibit A.  Southampton can concede far too many goals with these tactics, but you have to ask yourself, would we get any more parking the bus for 90-100 minutes?  It did work in our 2020 win over Manchester City, but this team doesn’t typically reflect the intestinal fortitude to accomplish this feat over and over.  It also is boring as hell to watch.

We should fully expect for Ralph to go all out against the top tier clubs again in 2021-22.  13 points is bold, but the following formula would provide critical leeway during another challenging Premier League season.

Manchester City – 1 Point  (draw at the Emirates as we are sandwiched between a very tough stretch of Big 6 opponents for the Champions)

Chelsea – 1 Point (sneak a draw why the Blues are focused on Champions League quarterfinals)

Liverpool – 3 points (massive home win in matchweek 37)

Manchester United – 1 Point (draw at Old Trafford)

Arsenal – 4 points  (we have gone toe to toe with them in recent seasons, and there should be little fear in facing the Gunners)

Tottenham – 3 points (we nick them just before the New Year at St. Mary’s during the packed Holiday schedule)

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