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With nine matches played, Southampton currently find themselves in 16th place, just one point clear of the drop zone and with a single victory to their name. A record of 14 goals conceded at this stage is not the worst in the division, however, only Crystal Palace and Huddersfield Town have scored less goals than Saints' six. 

If the south coast club can’t get their front line firing on all cylinders soon then they risk becoming mired near the foot of the table. However, Mark Hughes’ skills as a manager don’t inspire great confidence in his ability to coax prolific, clinical form from his attackers.

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If results at St Mary’s Stadium don’t improve soon then the Saints hierarchy would be wise to gamble on a more progressive, attack-minded coach to take the helm in place of the Welshman’s pragmatism.

What do you think, Southampton fans - is Hughes the right man to steer the club clear of relegation from the Premier League this season?