Win, win, win, win.
Southampton's record across their last four away matches in the Premier League has been quite something.
This weekend, though, sees them face arguably the greatest challenge of all on the road, as they head to Anfield to face Club World Cup champions, European Cup holders and top-flight leaders Liverpool – a side that has not lost a league match at home in more than two-and-a-half years.
On paper it is a challenge that might appear daunting, but for Saints manager Ralph Hasenhüttl it is only exciting.
ralph hasenhüttl
we don't play against their record. we play against 11 players, and we want to show how far we have come.
southampton manager
After all, what better way for his resurgent side, who have taken 16 points from the last 21 available, to test how far they have progressed in these past weeks?
"I think we had a few good journeys with our yellow shorts," said Hasenhüttl, referring to his side's away form.
"We go there knowing about their record and the quality of their team, but we don't play against their record, we play against 11 players and we want to show ourselves how far we have come, how competitive we are, at a fantastic ground and a fantastic crowd and against this fantastic team.
"We need these challenges. If we want to get better then we need to play against these big teams and we need to show ourselves what we have to learn and go there and enjoy it.
"Every weekend is a test for us, and against the big teams even more. This is fantastic in the Premier League that you always face a top team, and for us it is absolutely a fantastic chance to go there, to show up, to be brave, do what we do best and then we will see.
"Don't think about winning or drawing or something like that, but think about doing all the things you have to do to get a chance to be competitive, and if you do this and you concentrate on your details and game then everything else comes by the way."
So, what is it Southampton must do to be successful this weekend?
"It's very simple – being mentally better than they are. And you know how difficult this is," said Hasenhüttl. "Tactically also you have to be perfect, if you like. Even then, you are not sure if you can get something, but the goal must be to get the best performance possible."
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