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da doce： This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Southampton have two south-coast clashes within a week.
The first match of this tense double-header got off to the worst possible start, with the Saints 2-0 down at home to Bournemouth on Friday before the half-time whistle had even sounded.
Spirits, of course, were previously high, as the Saints had been on a four-game unbeaten run in all competitions, including wins over Fulham, Sheffield United and Brighton, as well as a draw against Manchester United.
Hasenhuttl’s men ended up losing 3-1 to the Cherries following a late – and embarrassing – mix-up between Angus Gunn and Jan Bednarek that allowed Callum Wilson to nip in for a simple goal – despite that, there lies a chance to make the fans forget the defeat with the upcoming game against Portsmouth.
If anything other than a win is the end result from that game, however, things could very quickly turn sour for Hasenhuttl, which would be a shame following the impressive four-game unbeaten run.
The Saints and Pompey are bitter rivals, with the bad blood between the two sides certainly present despite their last meeting happening in 2012.
To further emphasise the hatred the two sides have for each other, the Hampshire police force will be deploying riot police, helicopters, horses, police dogs and drones to ensure the Carabao Cup tie goes off without any violence.
Given the circumstances, it is unquestionably a massive game for the Saints and one that will have severe consequences if they do end up losing.
Not least the fact that Portsmouth are two divisions below their south coast rivals, but following a limp defeat to Bournemouth, the mood around St Mary’s could quickly turn if Hasenhuttl oversees back-to-back defeats to rival sides.
You could even argue that this ill-feeling had already begun to grow after the loss to the Cherries, with some supporters criticising the former RB Leipzig’s team selection following the disappointing reverse.
A loss to Pompey would sour the mood around the club even further, and there is precious little room for error for Hasenhuttl and his players in midweek.
Following their disappointing defeat over the weekend, this is a feisty affair that the Saints can ill-afford to lose.