Can Saints call on spirit of 1999?

Having been part of the Southampton side who avoided relegation with three consecutive victories at the end of 1998/99, Mark Hughes is hoping for a repeat as manager.

Southampton were in 19th ahead of their last three matches 19 years ago.

But, with Hughes in their front line, they beat Leicester City, Wimbledon and Everton to finish five points clear of the bottom three.

Now, Southampton are in 18th, one point from safety with three matches left.

Bottom of the table

Position Pos	Club	Played Pl	GD	Points Pts
16	Huddersfield Town HUD	38	-30	37
17	Southampton SOU	38	-19	36
18	Swansea City SWA	38	-28	33
19	Stoke City STK	38	-33	33
20	West Bromwich Albion WBA	38	-25	31

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Flashback

"My memory of that time was that everybody was together," says Hughes. "Everybody knew we were in a difficult situation but everybody stuck together – players, staff, and fans, most importantly.

"That’s what got us over the line then and, hopefully, we can do it the same this time."

Again, finishing with three victories would ensure Southampton’s top-flight status.

They visit Everton on Saturday before a crucial showdown next Tuesday against Swansea City, who are a place and a point above them.

Saints then host champions Manchester City on the final day, while 19th-placed Stoke City finish their campaign at Swansea in what could be another decisive fixture.

Remaining fixtures of bottom seven