Christmas is upon us, which means one thing, football fans up and down the country will be finally getting their hands on their own copy of FIFA 17, if they haven’t already.

With all the festive football going on, you may feel that you can do a better job than some of the Premier League bosses out there, so why not have a crack in Career Mode?

Many of you will have had your tactics and summer signings planned out for months in notebooks and on the back of any piece of paper to hand. However, you can never be too prepared. With that in mind we here at Shoot! have been putting together comprehensive guides for some of the best teams to take on in the virtual world.

One side who will be a challenge for a manager of any level are Southampton, off the back of two record-breaking seasons it is a tough task to continue the progression, without the added complication of the club having sold their top talents once again.

You take the helm at a crucial point in the history of the club, with a European group stage on the horizon for the first time in the club’s history.

If you decide to take on this challenge then here at Shoot! we’ve got your back! Here is the complete guide to Southampton on FIFA 17…

The Spine

A strong spine is a must in any successful side, whether that be in real life or the virtual world, especially if you want to make your mark as a so-called ‘smaller side’.

Big impact transfers are all well and good, but with sides on a smaller budget you need a solid side to put them into and get the best out of them. So, who can you build you team around at St. Mary’s?

Fraser Forster

The England international will be the base of any success you achieve as manager on the south coast. His spectacular return form injury last season, which in-turn sparked a change in fortunes for Ronald Koeman’s side, proved just how crucial he is to the Saints, no need for investment here.

Virgil Van Dijk

The former Celtic man was one of the signings of the season in the Premier League last summer, with his ability to carry the ball out of the back four as well as keep it tight at the back, the Dutchman will be crucial against the top sides, at home and abroad.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

A recent addition from Bayern Munich, the Dane has the daunting task of filling the rather sizeable boots of the departed Victor Wanyama.

Aged just 21, however, the central midfielder looks quite the prospect, and you should look to make him the crux of a solid midfield which can allow your forward men to wreak havoc on opposing defences.

Sofaine Boufal

A bit of an unknown quantity for Premier League fans, the former Lille man has often been compared to the likes of title winners Riyad Mahrez and Eden Hazard.

The 23-year-old starts out life on FIFA 17 rated at a modest 80, however, his stand out assets are his pace and dribbling rated at 85 and 87 respectively, whilst his other ratings offer plenty of room for speedy growth.

The Objectives

When you launch up your long-awaited first Career Mode on FIFA 17, you’ll instantly notice some sizeable changes to what you can effect as manager.

EA have added board level management aspects alongside the standard elements of a traditional FIFA Career Mode, all of which you are judged on by the board. There are five areas in which you have to impress your owners; domestic success, continental success, brand exposure, financial and youth development. These five factors are ranked in terms of importance, of which there are five levels; very low, low, medium, high and critical.

When taking over at Saints, the you are told that the board’s highest priority is youth development, which is understandable considering the club’s financial stature in world football and it’s spectacular record for producing young talent.

With youth development being ranked as a ‘high’ priority by the board, your tenure will largely be judged on whether or not you can promote these young players to the first team, whilst maintaining a competitive level in the Premier League and on the continent.

The other four factors are all ranked as being of ‘medium’ importance to the board, which leaves you in a tricky situation. Because youth development is highest on the list, the instant inclination would be to focus heavily on that aspect of management, however, neglect your other duties for too long and you could find yourself out of a job quicker than expected.

The Youngsters

Nathan Redmond

A quick glance at the Southampton youth ranks and you’ll notice that the current generation of up-and-comers don’t quite include a Gareth Bale or Luke Shaw, there are some talented players but nothing too great to shout about right now.

However, in summer signing Nathan Redmond, you have a pacey and skillful wide man who, if nurtured correctly, could go on to be your main man.

Matt Targett

Saints’ current first choice left-back is former Chelsea man, Ryan Bertrand and, if fit, you have no reason to drop him or sell him. However, if unavailable or after he has moved on you have a ready made and top class replacement waiting in the wings.

Whilst Bertrand may offer a little more the pair are almost interchangeable, which is vital when you consider that continental success is something you should really be striving for at Southampton.

Sam McQueen

The winger turned left-back has continued the fine tradition of youth development at St. Mary’s this season, and can become a real threat in your side.

Whether you opt to use him as a full-back, wing-back or winger is down to you, but one thing is for sure, he could become very useful in the next few seasons.

Weakest Area

Southampton lost yet another crop of top talent over the summer, yet the man who left probably the largest hole is Graziano Pelle. When the Italy international made the lucrative move to China, he left behind Charlie Austin, Shane Long and Jay Rodriguez to fill his boots.

Whilst all three are good options to start up-top at St. Mary’s, they may not be the marquee strikers you’re after in order to take the Saints to the next level. On starting the Career Mode you’re given £42m to play with by the board, so you’ve got the cash to bring a big name to the South Coast.