FIVE-POINTPLAN

MAKE ST MARY’S FUN AGAIN Over the past three seasons, Saints have managed a total of 15 league victories at St Mary’s. Fifteen. They didn’t win at home in 2018-19 until December 16. Facing three of the ‘Big Six’ in their first four home games of 2019-20 isn’t ideal, but positive signs, at least, would help to keep dismay at bay.

ACCEPT THAT THERE IS ALWAYS A BIGGER FISH Saints have gone from struggling to keep their players to struggling to shift them. As much as it hurt to lose talent every year, that policy of buying smart and selling high is a good way to operate. Southampton must be realistic about their current status and, rather than attempt to shop near the top of the market, remember that if their employees are attracting interest, they must be doing something right. Plus, Hasenhuttl’s force of personality may persuade them to stay anyway.

BECOME A SOLID UNIT Virgil van Dijk was never going to be easy to replace, even after fetching Saints a world-record fee for a defender, but it’s not just about personnel – they’ve yet to find a mental resolve without him. They kept only seven clean sheets last term, showing an unerring knack of frittering away points. Hasenhuttl’s more structured training sessions should help matters.

STICK TO THEIR GUNN Southampton began pre-season with three goalkeepers who have been part of the England senior setup. Fraser Forster is the best-known but furthest down the pecking order, while Alex Mccarthy was usurped at club level by Angus Gunn at the turn of the year. The 23-year-old shows promise and has the potential to be a fine Premier League performer – as long as he gets minutes and backing.

FIND A CUTTING EDGE Southampton’s 483 attempted shots last season brought them a paltry 45 goals – an alarming conversion rate of just 9.3 per cent. Saints will be hoping a full pre-season helps to get Danny Ings fighting fit for a new campaign that will also see new signing Che Adams unleashed.