SAINTS have two Premier League games to see out in 2021 to ensure that they are not on the receiving end of an unfortunate record.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s struggling side are just four goals shy of Ipswich Town’s long-standing record of most Premier League goals conceded in a calendar year – set back in 1994.

Ipswich conceded a total of 79 before in 1994 before going on to finish bottom of the table and suffer relegation in 1994-95. Meanwhile, Saints have conceded a total of 75.

A saving grace for the St Mary’s outfit is Newcastle United’s dastardly record of their own. The Magpies have already matched Ipswich’s total of 79 with two matches remaining of the year.

Daily Echo: Newcastle have been unable to stop shipping goals despite Eddie Howe's appointment (Pic: PA)Newcastle have been unable to stop shipping goals despite Eddie Howe's appointment (Pic: PA)

Saints travel to West Ham on Boxing Day before welcoming Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur to town two days later – and in truth, look highly likely to break the 79 total.

West Ham are fifth in the Premier League and have scored 28 goals in 17 matches, while Spurs are seventh and have scored just 18 in 15 matches but have scored two or more in each of their last four.

But Newcastle have Manchester United at St James’ Park before a visit to Everton’s Goodison Park remaining this year, and will need two clean sheets to avoid surpassing the total they’ve already matched.

Saints’ unfortunate standing in this potential record was helped by the 9-0 defeat to Manchester United in February, that match alone contributing to 12% of all goals conceded.

Another possible outcome is potential postponement of Premier League games for the remainder of 2021 due to the Omicron variant of COVID spreading in the UK.

This would potentially rescue both Saints and Newcastle from any unwanted record.