Southampton can with the Europa League this season – and here’s why

Southampton can take a big step in the club’s history this evening when they face Czech Republic outfit Sparta Prague hoping to book themselves a place in the knockout stages of the Europa League.

The Saints travel to Prague knowing that a win, combined with Israeli side Harpoel Be’er Sheva failing to beat Inter Milan, means that they are through to the next stage of the competition for the first time in their history.

Claude Puel’s side are currently second in Group K behind their hosts, who they comfortably beat 3-0 at St. Mary’s Stadium in the Group opener.

Since then the south coast side have drawn in Israel, lost in Milan but picked up a historic win over the Italian giants in the last round of fixtures, coming from 1-0 down.

It will be an momentous occasion for Saints fans to see their side in the knockout stages of Europe’s second tier competition, however, once they’re there there is no reason they can’t go all the way…