Nearly seventeen years have passed since Derby County concluded the 2007-08 Premier League season with a historically low tally of eleven points. Their campaign ended on a somber note, marked by six consecutive defeats, including a crushing 4-0 loss against Reading in their final match. In contrast, Southampton now finds itself needing just one point from its last three games this season to evade sharing Derby's ignominious record. However, given their recent form—nine losses in their past eleven matches—the challenge ahead appears daunting.

Southampton's remaining fixtures include home games against two formidable opponents: Manchester City and Arsenal, who rank among the league's top contenders. Sandwiched between these encounters is an away trip to Merseyside for Everton's farewell match at Goodison Park. While the Saints managed to secure their first victory of the season in November against Everton, their overall performance has waned significantly since then, accumulating only one point from their last twelve home games.

Interim manager Simon Rusk has urged his team to conclude the season with as much dignity as possible. He remarked that part of the struggle this year stems from competing at an exceptionally high level of competition. When taking charge of the remaining seven matches, his primary objective was fostering unity, particularly during challenging periods.

The upcoming clash between Southampton and Manchester City will feature comprehensive commentary starting at 15:00 BST on BBC Radio 5 Live on Saturday.

In light of these challenges, Southampton must demonstrate resilience and determination. The stakes are high as they strive to avoid not only a dismal record but also to uphold their reputation in the competitive landscape of the Premier League. Fans eagerly await how the team will navigate through these critical fixtures amidst adversity.