As has been said every game is a cup final from here but Southampton, like Swansea, have a pressing and passing game that I think is a particular challenge for our team. There's pace and energy all around the pitch and no obvious gaps for counter-attacking thrusts, and - as someone else pointed out - their game will put pressure on our back line ball retention and use. The fact it's away from home and NOT one of the "big" teams also adds to the equation. For them it will be a welcome home match as they have been on a run of away games ... not good.
But - there are a few basic things we have in our favour. Our best players are really good - and they are better than their best players; they will have to deal with Luis, Daniel, Philip, Raheem and Stevie as well as playing their own game. We have something to play for - and the team HAS shown character (a will to win, a resilience under pressure).
First goal is critical in a game like this. If we get it, we can bring them forward and get them to force the game, and create space and opportunity. If they get it, they can concentrate on possession and we will find it difficult. But I've seen them dominate games and not score, and after a while things open up and they can lose a little shape and belief, so even 0-0 after 50 minutes isn't a bad platform.
They drew against Arsenal and Man City; they lost against Chelsea and Tottenham. They won away at our place. They're no mugs, so in the real world a draw wouldn't be a bad result. But this season, it's win or bust - we'll know by kick-off whether Chelsea, Everton or Arsenal have made up ground, so the pressure is intense. I am hopeful, nervous, believing, unsure, but we have a chance.
