Southampton Stare Down Unwanted Premier League Record Amid Tough Season

A Season of Struggles

Southampton's promotion via the Championship play-offs feels like a distant memory. The step up to the Premier League has proven incredibly challenging. Early season optimism quickly faded, leading to Russell Martin's dismissal in December. His successor, Ivan Juric, inherited a difficult situation and has overseen just one win in his 12 league matches.

Chasing Ghosts: The Derby County Record

The primary motivation remaining for Southampton is avoiding the unwanted title of the worst team in Premier League history, currently held by Derby County's 2007-08 side (11 points). "I said to them (the players) I don’t want to live this experience, to be the worst team in the history of the Premier League," stated manager Ivan Juric. Fans share this sentiment, with supporter Jamie Cozens noting, "It is sad to say, but beating the record will be a highlight for the season... it is really important that we don’t have yet another record against our name." This task requires just one win or three draws from their final nine games.

Compounding their woes is a dismal home record, with nine consecutive losses at St Mary's Stadium. Statistically, their defence is porous, conceding 70 goals and holding the highest expected goals against (xGA) figure (2.4 per game) since records began in 2012-13. Furthermore, their inability to hold leads has cost them dearly, dropping 23 points from winning positions.

Contrasting Fortunes: Crystal Palace Preview

Their next match is against Crystal Palace, a team enjoying a strong run of form. Palace have won their last five competitive matches, including an FA Cup quarter-final victory over Fulham, and remarkably, have won their last six away games in all competitions without conceding a single goal. They are aiming for their fifth consecutive Premier League win against Southampton.

Team News:

What is the lowest points record in Premier League history?

Derby County holds the record with just 11 points, set during the 2007-08 season.

How many points do Southampton need to avoid the record?

Southampton currently have 9 points, so they need at least 3 more points (one win or three draws) from their remaining nine games to surpass Derby's tally.

How have Crystal Palace been performing recently?

Crystal Palace are in excellent form, having won their last five matches in all competitions and their last six away games without conceding a goal.

Do you think Southampton will manage to avoid breaking Derby County's unwanted record? Let us know!

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