Southampton Season Preview - Can Saints stave off relegation again?
Southampton’s appointment of Mark Hughes yielded the desired results as the south coast side staved off the threat of relegation with room to spare. Having ended the season in 17th with just 36 points, three above the relegation zone, the club will hope for a more successful campaign this time around and the board have not shied away from backing Hughes in the market. The club will hope he repays the faith shown in him this summer.
One to Watch - Angus Gunn
Spending £10m on an inexperienced Premier League goalkeeper is a huge show of faith in Hughes, but Angus Gunn is considered one of the best up and coming shotstoppers in England. The 22-year-old spent last season on loan with Championship side Norwich and impressed between the sticks, making 139 saves, the second best in England’s second tier. Goalkeeper was a problem position for Saints until Alex McCarthy stepped in, but Gunn will be hoping to usurp his compatriot and make an immediate impact at St. Mary’s.
Best Signing - Jannik Vestergaard
Spending in excess of £20m, Saints will be expecting Jannik Vestergaard to transfer his solid Bundesliga performances to the Premier League. Previously linked with a move to Arsenal, the towering Dane has the physical qualities to settle into the rigours of English football with ease. He blocked more shots (39) than any other player in England’s top tier last term and fans of the south coast outfit will hope his leadership qualities will play a part in improving a defence that conceded 56 league goals last season.
Welcome to #SaintsFC, @JVestergaard7! 👊 pic.twitter.com/TlWF8fxR9D
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) July 13, 2018
Area of Weakness
Saints struggled in the final third last season, particularly in and around the opposition penalty box. 37 goals scored was a poor return and in the absence of Charlie Austin, who despite making just 10 league starts was their top scorer with seven goals, they struggled. Shane Long’s profligacy is well documented, while Manolo Gabbiadini’s inconsistency after a blistering start to life on the south coast means it was no shock Saints faltered in front of goal when Austin was out. A new striker, comfortable with leading the line, could be key if they are to stave off the drop.
Prediction / Best Bet
The gap between themselves and the top half may have only been eight points, but Saints were very poor on occasion last season. Hughes may have steadied the ship, yet with those around them strengthening accordingly and able to call upon a degree of consistency in the dugout, it could be a transitional season for the south coast side rather than one of any real progression. Consolidating a top-flight spot should be easy enough, however, with Saints to finish in the bottom half is available at 1.62. Hardly odds to shout home about, but there isn’t much value in Hughes’ side coming into the campaign.
