Southampton legend optimistic they can catch Ipswich in promotion race

Legendary member of CLUB Matt Le Tisser is “very optimistic” that Saints will

be able to overtake Ipswich Town in the Premier League promotion battle.

With three points separating Southampton from the top-scoring

Tractor Boys, Southampton is presently third in the Championship.

 

After losing their previous five games, Kieran McKenna’s team has performed

admirably to close the gap to the automatic promotion spots with Russell Martin’s team.

 

Staying ahead of Daniel Farke’s Leeds United, who are now four points behind

Saints in fourth place, is Le Tissier’s first priority.

Le Tissier said, “There’s only three points in it at the moment,” in an interview

with BBC Radio Solent’s Saints and Sinners podcast.

 

“Over the course of next twenty or so games, that is nothing. I have a great deal of hope that we can catch Ipswich.

 

“I think my main focus right now is continuing to be above Leeds. I believe

we can catch Ipswich, but the key will be to finish the season ahead of Leeds.

“We play Leeds on the last day of the season. That is shaping up to be quite some game.

 

“If it is the crucial one that means one team goes up and one team into the

playoffs, then you will find me at my second away game of the season

alongside two of my brothers, who happen to be Leeds United fans.”

 

Ipswich claimed a 1-0 win at St Mary’s when the two sides met earlier this season.

 

That defeat came during Southampton’s four-game losing streak, however, Le

Tissier has sensed a new feeling around the club since they have mounted an 18-game unbeaten run.

 

“There is definitely a different feel to the crowd (this season). There is an

optimistic vibe that goes around the stadium before every game.

The way we have begun games, controlling possession from the off, has

made it difficult for the opponents to escape their own half.

 

You get a good sense of comfort as a Saints supporter. Compared to previous

season, when you attended games in the hopes that we could limit it to two or

three, this season feels completely different.”

 

On April 1, Southampton visits Portman Road in Ipswich, two weeks after taking

on Leicester City, who are now in first place.