A dire end to 2021/22 left Southampton in 15th, just five points above the relegation zone. Premier League relegation odds for 2022/23 are expecting a similar outcome this season, with only five clubs at a shorter price to go down.
Ralph Hasenhuttl has impressed during his time in the Premier League, but several windows of subpar recruitment have caught up with the Saints.
There are reasonable doubts about the quality at Hasenhuttl’s disposal, particularly in the final third. Chance creation is very dependent on James Ward-Prowse’s set piece ability.
Only two Southampton players ranked in the top 40 in expected goals last term. One of those players, Armando Broja, is no longer at the club.
Southampton haven’t endured major losses this summer, as they did 12 months ago with Danny Ings and Jannik Vestergaard departing, but some will still be underwhelmed by their business.
Not Done Enough
It’s been a clear youth movement from the Saints hierarchy. Gavin Bazunu, Sekou Mara, Romeo Lavia, Armel Bella-Kotchap, Joe Aribo and Mateusz Lis arrived on permanent deals. That sextet have an average age of just over 21.
Official. Southampton complete their sixth signing with talented forward Sékou Mara from Bordeaux, deal completed and sealed today. 🚨⚪️🔴 #SaintsFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 21, 2022
“A France Under-21 international, Mara set to become Saints’ signing once he completes his medical and signs”, statement says. pic.twitter.com/POQLB0q8gJ
This is a clear injection of upside, but how much does it really impact Southampton as a sports betting prospect in 2022/23?
Southampton fans could be forgiven for feeling frustrated that there haven’t been more readymade additions after the club displayed relegation form in the second half of 2021/22.
Under Pressure to Bounce Back
Only Norwich and Watford collected fewer points in 2022. Leeds were the only team to concede more. The last we saw of Southampton was a team experiencing a demise, often outplayed with and without the ball.
Hasenhuttl must arrest that trajectory and do so quickly when the new season gets underway. It’s not an easy start to the season with Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea in three of their first five fixtures.
How Can Southampton Improve?
Southampton simply need to be active in the transfer market.
Few other teams in Premier League predictions have a weaker first-team squad, and the second half of 2021/22 was another reminder of how far off the mid-table pace they have fallen.
Hasenhuttl has done a stellar job at the club, but more firepower is needed in the final third.
This team requires proven talent to accompany the exciting young players they have already added in this window.
Southampton Prediction for 2022/23:
Often teams who struggle in the second half of one season carry those woes into the next.
Southampton did enough to stay away from the most intense part of the relegation tussle last season, but they will have no such luxury in 2022-23, particularly with so many challenging fixtures early on.
The league looks strong on paper this year. All three promoted teams should be competitive. Brentford and Leeds, the two holdover teams with shorter relegation odds, have higher ceilings than Southampton.
Some might argue for Southampton as one of the best away days in the Premier League, but top flight fans may have to wait a while for their next trip to St Mary’s after this season.
Southampton Premier League prediction: Relegation
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
