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Now we are nearing the end of January Southampton can take look at their rollercoaster season. The Saints have struggled with consistency, winning 9 out of 24 games and drawing on 4.

Fans of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team have reason to be confident heading into February, as their recent run has distanced the club from the relegation zone. With 10 points out of the 15, football betting apps have removed the saints from any relegation concerns.

Europa League slot still possible

With a poor start to the season Southampton now have their sights set on finishing within the top half and possibly a slot in the Europa League.

With their impressive results in 6 games, 4 wins and 1 draw, Southampton began the year with a win over Tottenham on the South East coast and following with league victories over Leicester City and Crystal Palace.

Stats mask defensive frailties

The Southampton stats this early in the season can be a little misleading, the team have scored 31 goals, that’s more than Sheffield United, Crystal Palace and Everton, but they have conceded 42, which is more than two of the three teams currently in the relegation zone.

Although the team leads the league in tackles made, which may imply that the defence is often put in danger, the goals continue to trickle through. Making their recent achievements more impressive but it’s something the coaching staff must address, and quickly, if Southampton are to remain in the top 10.

Southampton impressed with the Tottenham 1-1 draw at St Mary’s Stadium in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup, forcing a replay in London. An eye-catching effort against Jose Mourinho’s side in a tie they were expected to lose, Boufal scoring late to cancel a Son Heung-Min equaliser to keep the club’s cup dreams alive.

Saints target Spurs defender

There are better times ahead for supporters, with the Saints keeping a clean sheet in the first two games this year but then conceding half of their first six games. Jan Bednarek is a coveted player that is critical to the defending efforts with his performance attracting attention of late. He is a proving to be a strong player in the Southampton backline, Hasenhuttl will hope he can lead by example in the second half of the season.

The manager will look to the board for cash to improve his defence during the January transfer window. Several football gossip columns have linked the club with a move for Tottenham prospect Kyle Walker-Peters. The 22-year-old Londoner right back has a big future and is expected to depart Jose’s team this winter in a bid to guarantee first team football. Playing time will be crucial to his development. Walker-Peters arrival at St Mary’s this winter will depend on the Southampton meeting and Tottenham’s valuation of the player with expectations are around £12m.

A gamble for a young man with limited first team Premier League experience but he could prove to be exactly what the club needs. Tighten up their defence, difficult to break down while remaining a scoring threat so the Saints fans can prepare themselves for a strong, successful finish in 2020.

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