An analysis of the 7 clubs battling relegation in the Premier League

#5 Southampton

Southampton have been shockingly bad this season

At the beginning of the 2016/17 season, Southampton played in the Europa League after Ronald Koeman's contribution in the 2015/16 season led them to the second straight season of enjoying European action. This season has been a stark contrast under Mauricio Pellegrino.

Not only will Southampton fail to have any European action next season, they will also have to expend enormous energy to just hold on to their spot in the Premier League. Southampton is the only club from the bottom five to have more draws than losses. Having drawn 13 games (12 losses), it is a testament to just how mediocre Southampton's season has been.

Despite having strikers such as Shane Long, Charlie Austin and Jay Rodriguez, Southampton has been facing challenges in finding the winning goal. The strength of the team can be found in its strikers but at the same time, the strikers have been the cause of Southampton's downfall this season.

The Saints have been struggling to find the net most of the time and it remains a problem even towards the end of the season.

The team lost 3-0 to Newcastle United on Saturday. The lack of ability in scoring while also conceding scrappy goals from unlikely positions have been characteristics of Southampton this season. Combined with their pitifully low confidence, it seems only to be a matter of time before they go down.

Verdict: Relegated