Saints Marching’s predictions for Southampton’s 2021/22 season
![LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 14: Adam Armstrong of Southampton celebrates after scoring their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Southampton at Goodison Park on August 14, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images) LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 14: Adam Armstrong of Southampton celebrates after scoring their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Southampton at Goodison Park on August 14, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/ee73223e964b4a576355934d9dfc931b0ea782b1b8c656ee67812dd9eeb07515.jpg)
Biggest surprise
Daniel: Romain Perraud
Lot of options to go with here, and honestly I feel like it could be a positive season for a previously neglected Mo Elyounoussi, but I think the biggest surprise will be the new signing Romain Perraud. He’s got massive shoes to fill in Ryan Bertrand’s place, but I really see the Frenchman stepping up and making a solid impact this season. The defender could be a key piece to the season for Saints.
Joe: Winning the FA Cup
While you couldn’t exactly describe Southampton as Wembley regulars, their trips to the home of football have seen an uptick in recent years. While Claude Puel took SFC to the 2017 League Cup final, Mark Hughes and Ralph Hasenhüttl have also managed to guide their charges to Wembley semi-finals. Hasenhüttl fielded strong sides in last season’s FA Cup and was rewarded with a march to the arch. Look for the Austrian to repeat the same trick and take the side one step further.
Erik: Mohammed Salisu
The entire league is going to be in shock at the ability of Mohammed Salisu. Any opposing fan who thinks we sold our best defender in Vestergaard just doesn’t understand what we are replacing him with. He won’t be a surprise to the savvy Saints fan, but the rest of the league will learn his name.
Alastair: Ibrahima Diallo
Diallo showed some glimpses last season but on the whole, he was inconsistent. This could be a big season for the young Frenchman.
Marc: Moussa Djenepo
The Malian is arguably the most deceptive player on the ball that Saints have and is equally capable with both feet. It seems like he may have to fill in as the second-choice left-back too.
If he can be coached into making the right final call when in and around the box, this could be a big campaign for him.