8 Big Threats To Southampton's Challenge For The Top 4

Tipped pre-season to struggle, perhaps even looking at relegation, Southampton continue to defy those predictions with their ongoing form. Wins against Arsenal and Manchester United in January saw Ronald Koeman winning his second Manager Of The Month award. However, a combination of dodgy refereeing and a brilliant Coutinho goal this weekend resulted in defeat to Liverpool and the club finally dropping from the top four. Just four points now separate third and sixth place. Saints' challenge for a Champions League spot is getting a whole lot harder.

Since England was allowed four teams in Europe's premier club competition in 2002/03, there have been 53 qualifying clubs, 49 of which have been the big 5 - Man United, Chelsea, Man City, Arsenal, and Liverpool. Only Newcastle, twice, Tottenham, once, and Everton, in the year England had five qualifiers, have managed to break that dominance.

As we get closer to the climax of the season, Saints are likely to face a number of potential pitfalls that could prevent them from securing a top 4 finish, or even any European football next year. Only by overcoming these eight challenges are Southampton likely still to be among the top clubs come the season finale on May 24th.