Story so far… Saints have been one of the major success stories this season in the Premier League as their youngsters have played silky soccer that has wowed neutrals. In Mauricio Pochettino’s first full season in charge the South Coast club have equaled their best-ever PL finish of eighth and have amassed their record points tally. Captain Adam Lallana has shone all season and along with Rickie Lambert and Luke Shaw should be heading to the World Cup with England. Jay Rodriguez’s injury was a cruel blow as the clubs top scorer will miss Brazil. Superb season at St. Mary’s but can the hold onto their star youngsters?
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This summer is pivotal in the clubs future. Saints are at at crossroads as they’ve risen from the bottom of England’s third-tier to being on the precipice of the Premier League’s top six in just five years. The owner Katharina Liebherr must now decide whether to keep pumping money into the team or to go with a more sustainable model. If they go with the latter approach it could be ‘bye. bye Lallana and co.’ as well as Pochettino.
Who do they play and where can I watch it: Southampton host Manchester United in their final game of the season, as they sit one place behind the Red Devils in the standings. They’ve upset the English giants plenty of times in the past, would it be a surprise if Pochettino’s side ended their superb season on a high? Watch live on SyFy at 10 a.m. ET and stream it online via NBC Sports Live Extra.
Form guide: Saints drew away at Old Trafford back in October thanks to a last-gasp goal from Adam Lallana to nick a 1-1 tie. After a lull in their season following some bad injuries to key players, Saints have picked themselves up and finished the season strongly with three wins from their last six and they are unbeaten in three.
March 29 – vs. Newcastle, W 4-0
April 5 – at Manchester City, L 1-4
April 12 – vs. Cardiff City, L 0-1
April 19 – at Aston Villa, D 0-0
April 26 – vs. Everton, W 2-0
May 3 – at Swansea, W 1-0
What’s at stake: They will finish in eighth, equaling their highest ever PL finish and they have already accumulated 55 points, their best-ever tally. One more chance to impress for Saints’ string of internationals before the World Cup.
When the final whistle blows: Saints will be in eighth spot no matter what and a true party atmosphere will be in full swing on the South Coast as Man United come to town. Lallana, Shaw and Lambert could well be off to Brazil this summer. Will this finale be Lallana and Shaw’s last game for Southampton?
