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

4. Lack Of Squad Depth

Ultimately the over-working of certain key players, and the way in which other clubs have worked out to play against their forwards, points to one crucial fact: Saints' squad is too thin compared to other teams at the top of the table. Pelle has to play all of the time because Saints don't have another big goalscoring centre forward and the same is true of their impressively solid defence. With players like Toby Alderweireld, Ryan Bertrand, Matt Targett, and Maya Yoshida all either injured, suspended or on international duty in the last month, the lack of defensive options at the St. Mary's has become increasingly obvious. A lot of money may have been spent on 6 foot 4 inch Romanian centre back Florin Gardos, but the former Steaua Bucharest man has looked nothing but clumsy and slow. Meanwhile, the heart of the midfield, the real key to the way that Saints play, is built around the partnership of Morgan Schneiderlin and Victor Wanyama. With both injured in recent weeks, along with the versatile Alderweireld, it has become clear that Saints lack adequate cover in this position too. Rivals for a top 4 spot like Arsenal or Man Utd have countless extra players in reserve when hit by injuries. That Saints don't have that luxury could prove their undoing, for all that their youth academy continues to churn out quality prospects.