Defendant In the past ten matches, Kyle Walker-Peters believes that facing each of the top three teams in the Championship could be a “advantage”.
Before the league standings is decided in May, Saints have to make trips to Leeds United, Leicester City, and Ipswich Town on Monday.
Although Russell Martin’s team has games in hand over those above, they are now nine points outside of the automatic promotion spots.
Southampton still has the opportunity to determine their fate for promotion by playing the top three teams; other outcomes will not determine their fate.
Top performer Walker-Peters thinks the Saints can win if they defeat all three. It will put them in the driver’s seat.
“I believe it’s a blessing for us that we can play them and prove we are superior to them.
“We have a chance to go and win those games and I think it could be an advantage for us.”But we’re not thinking about Ipswich just yet—Middlesbrough is the next game, and it’s equally crucial.
“We need to win that game tomorrow and hopefully, that will start us on a good run.”
Walker-Peters, who faces an unclear future with anticipated transfer interest in the summer, understands the significance of the run-in.
In less than a month, the Saints will play ten games to decide their league standing for the upcoming season without having to make the playoffs.
“It’s the same as the whole season though, you go into every game wanting to win,” he stated.
For me, the successful window for Southampton was characterized by what did not occur.
It’s best to keep Walker-Peters as a business. Adams also. Don’t believe the team has significantly improved overall.
It required very little. My fast and weary-eyed opinion on the month’s business.#SaintsFC
— February 2, 2024, Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho)
“I view these past ten games as finals in every sense. The objective is to get promoted, which will happen if we win them all.
“The manager has definitely been trying to get our fitness up a bit in the international break so he is aware of the physical demands.”
Walker-Peters went on, “As a squad, we are aware of it, and we have a sizable group of players.”
“The manager will switch things up as needed, I’m sure. Every member of the squad is dependable and indispensable.”
Walker-Peters, who has missed the last two games due to injury, is a crucial returnee for Martin.
Despite the full-back missing his first league minutes, Saints secured thrilling victories over Birmingham and Sunderland.
When asked if he was fit, Walker-Peters said, “I feel good.
“Grateful to be back, I’m excited to get back on the field and hopefully win these ten games.”
“I was OK without the rest. I was rather upset about my injury, but it occurs occasionally in sports, and I am now fully recovered.”