Southampton have announced their congested fixtures for the month of April, and there's no letting up for Tonda Eckert's side in their quest to reel in the top six and secure a play-off spot.
First up, after the international break, is the FA Cup quarter-final with Arsenal on the 4th April. Both sides will have players in action for their countries in midweek, although Ross Stewart may not be fit enough to travel with Scotland, even if he is selected.
Cyle Larin, on the other hand, who has scored three goals in eight appearances for his adopted side, will almost certainly travel with Canada for the friendlies against Iceland and Tunisia. The latter of these is only 3 days before Arsenal's visit.
Less than 48 hours to recover before a huge match
The Saints have less than 48 hours to recover from the quarter-final before they are back in action on Easter Monday. Their trip to Wrexham could be one of the most important matches of the season; it's hardly ideal preparation.
In their infinite wisdom (nothing to do with maximising TV revenue), the FA and the broadcasting companies have conspired to schedule an 8 pm fixture for the cup match, fully aware that Saints will be playing in North Wales just two days later.
From then on, the fixture list offers up a little rest bite. A full five days between fixtures might just give the Saints squad enough time to prepare for the visit of Derby County to St Mary's. County are level on points going into today's fixtures, and Southampton will need to be fresh to take on John Eustace's in-form side.
A trip to South Wales, a week later, could find the Saints playing against a team who are no longer in the running for a play-off spot themselves. A week's rest beforehand and a run of three home matches to follow could just give the squad the incentive they need to prepare them for the final few matches of the season.
Three home matches will be very welcome
Date | Opponent | Home/Away | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
4 April | Arsenal | Home | FA Cup (QF) |
6 April | Wrexham | Away | Championship |
11 April | Derby County | Home | Championship |
18 April | Swansea City | Away | Championship |
21 April | Bristol City | Home | Championship |
25 April | Blackburn Rovers | Home | Championship |
28 April | Ipswich Town | Home | Championship |
Bristol City arrive in town on 21st April as the fixtures come thick and fast again. The Robins' form has dropped sharply lately, and they may be another team with one eye on the summer break instead of the play-offs. If Tonda Eckert's side is still in the playoff hunt themselves, they will look to capitalise on any complacency from the visitors.
Former Premier League champions, Blackburn Rovers, could be in League One by the time they arrive on the South Coast four days later. If not, they could be scrapping for their Championship lives. Those games are never easy, and if the Saints aren't busy playing at Wembley in an FA Cup semi-final, this could be a potential banana skin.
Ipswich drive their tractors along the M27 on the 28th April for another potentially huge match. If Southampton have any players who aren't on the treatment table by then, they could be up against a team who are fighting it out for automatic promotion.
Some Southampton fans might well argue that it's good to be playing plenty of games at the end of the season. It shows that there is still lots to play for. Even so, seven games in 21 days is a tad extreme. It could be too much even.