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…

Continued success

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

Southampton have come a very long way in a short amount of time. It wasn’t too long ago Saints fans were looking forward to a midweek away trip to Rochdale as opposed to Prague or Milan.

Since their days in League One the south coast side have improved every single season, under the guise of many different managers, so, progression to European success only seems natural.

Puel’s pedigree

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

In French manager Claude Puel the Saints have a man who knows his way around Europe. The former Monaco midfielder has taken charge of just shy of 100 European ties.

In his finest campaign to date, the Saints boss took his Lyon side to the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2010.

Attitude

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

The south coast side seem genuinely excited about their involvement in the Europa League this season and appear determined to succeed.

Considering the attitude that many sides, especially Premier League ones, have gone into the competition with it is refreshing to see the Saints taking it so seriously, which could give them the edge.