Our Southampton fans here in the Transfer Tavern are hoping to see their team haul themselves away from the relegation zone as soon as possible to avoid any final day nerves.

Southampton have been on a downward decline ever since November, struggling for goals and wins has seen the Saints drop deep into the relegation bottom three in the Premier League. Our regulars have put this down to the years of selling their best players to other teams in the league and not fully replacing them. Southampton have a fantastic academy of youth and this has seen them churn out youngster after youngster to be sold on for a high price, among players they have nurtured to top quality Premier League players.

With so much outgoing, the Saints in the bar haven’t seen the next crop come in and flourish quick enough, and alongside not having a star forward finding the net on a regular basis this has all played towards where the south coast team currently find themselves.

Our landlord has taken a look at what two games can make of break Southampton’s season, and be the difference between Premier League or Championship football next season…

Mar 3rd: Home v Stoke City

Southampton have possibly a season-defining match in March, where they play one of the teams in and around them in the relegation zone.

A game at home against fellow strugglers Stoke is a must-win for the Saints if they are to start to climb the table. A win would give the Saints a confidence boost and, start to build momentum going into the toughest and most crucial part of the season is they are to survive.

March 17th: Away v Swansea City

A match against Swansea could see the Saints come out of a what should be a season-defining few weeks hopefully out of the relegation bottom three. After Swansea, it is a case of trying to pick up points where they can, as they face three of the top six in the final fixtures plus many teams in the top half of the table.

Southampton need to pick up serious points if they are to stand half a chance of survival.