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

8. A Final Fixture Away At The Etihad

Assuming Southampton are still in the chase as the season enters its final week, they will still have one final hurdle to overcome. Saints' final game of the season sees them travelling to Manchester to face defending champions Man City, a tie that resulted in a 4-1 defeat for Saints at the tail end of last season. With City possibly playing for the title, as in their last minute championship winning triumph in 2012, Southampton could be facing one of their hardest games just at the point where a win may be crucial. In comparison, in the final week Man Utd are away at Hull, Arsenal hosting West Brom, Tottenham are at Everton and Liverpool at Stoke, all very winnable games against teams who may well have nothing to play for in the final week. If it comes down to Saints or one of their rivals in the final week, you would have to bet against Southampton. In fact, although their penultimate game may appear a much easier one, at home to Aston Villa, the fact that Villa are likely to be playing for their place in the top flight may make that a much harder match than usual.