2019/20: Five key dates that will decide if Southampton make the top half

Football FanCast

By Dylan Walsh

Published Jun 13, 2019

Looking at the five key dates in Southampton's fixture list and where the Saints can find points to return the top-half of the Premier League table.

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It’s safe to say that last season really didn’t go to plan for Southampton, but things are already looking up for the 2019/20 campaign.

A full season of Ralph Hasenhuttl at the helm has many fans excited about what is to come when the Premier League returns in August, and surely the target will be to finish in the top ten after two campaigns of battling at the bottom.

With the fixture list out now, what key games and dates will decide whether the Saints can make the top half?

21st September – Brighton & Hove Albion (A)

With Brighton likely to be rejuvenated after the recent appointment of Graham Potter, Southampton can really get their season going by sending their south-coast rivals back to Earth with a win at the Amex. Separation early on between themselves and the teams likely fighting for survival will be crucial in 2019/20.

26th October – Leicester City (H)

Amid clashes against Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Manchester City, Everton and Arsenal is Leicester City at St. Mary’s. Southampton’s run of fixtures in September and October is brutal, but a win against the Foxes can be a flashpoint in their season.

21st December - Aston Villa (A)

With the likes of Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur all part of Southampton’s December and New Year run-in, a win against Aston Villa on the 21st is an absolute must for the Saints, who could see their chances of a top-half finish dashed heading into 2020.

29th February – West Ham (A)

If Southampton are to achieve a top-half finish for the first time since the 2016/17 season, aiming to beat those with the same goals would be a smart step in the right direction. You can’t get more mid-table than West Ham, who will be aiming for a top-10 finish alongside the Saints. Beating the Irons on their own turf will send a message of intent to those competing for the same spots.

21st March – Arsenal (H)

Southampton might have been poor over the past few seasons, but one team they seem to know how to get past no matter what state they are in is Arsenal, and their game against the Gunners in the final third of the season could be massive for the Saints if they can yet again best the north London side.