Southampton Unbeaten Streak Comes to an End

Welcome to the 8th edition of the Southampton Weekly Rondo -- where we discuss the past 7 days of the biggest club on the South Coast. We will briefly recap the week, then analyze what happened, and predict how the Saints will move forward. If you enjoy -- we march on next week!

My apologies for the hiatus -- this will probably end up a long one as we catch up on the two weeks' news. Before you ask: no I was not at AFCON, unlike Joe Aribo. However like Joe Aribo every time I did something positive this past week a bunch of people sang Gold by Spandau Ballet at me. It was truly a transformational experience. Always believe in your soul. Now back to our usual programming.

According to reports Downes' injury is not severe and he isn't expected to miss much time. But Southampton's crowded fixture list will not be kind for a gradual recovery. Saints have to get through 7 games in the next 25 days (once again...more on this later), and will need all hands on deck. And since Downes' injury against Huddersfield, the Saints have conceded 6 goals in less than 180 minutes of play. Troubling indeed.

Now that the unbeaten run is over, will Russell Martin field a strong team at Anfield? Liverpool will almost certainly not, as they play Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final only 3 days prior. Personally, while promotion is more important, giving a Premier League test to Martin ball would be a great barometer to see where Southampton are at. While I'd expect not to see heavy lifters like Kyle Walker-Peters, I want some of the regulars to get battle tested. Adam Armstrong underwhelmed in the Premiership, has he improved past that? Flynn Downes, Sam Edozie, and Kamaldeen Sulemana are similar. While victory may not be on the cards, at least putting up a strong fight could give momentum and confidence to the side going into the business end of the season.