Total Saints Podcast

Football is back, and Southampton return with one of the biggest games of the season as Arsenal head to St Mary’s for an FA Cup quarter-final under the lights. In this special midweek episode, Martin is joined by Steve Grant, Glen de la Cour and Alfie House to preview a tie that feels equal parts daunting and exciting, with Saints aiming to keep the 1976 anniversary cup spirit alive and reach the final four.The panel look at Arsenal’s international break disruption, with a remarkable number of players withdrawing from national team duty, and ask whether Mikel Arteta will rotate with one eye on Europe. They also debate whether Saints have to go full strength despite Wrexham and Derby looming large in the league, and which players could be key if Southampton are to cause an upset.There’s discussion around possible team selection, including the fitness of Jack Stephens and Leo Scienza, the role of Ross Stewart and Cameron Archer, and how Saints can best deal with Arsenal’s physicality and set-piece threat. The episode also touches on Daniel Peretz’s comments about his future, England’s frustrating performances over the international break, and the huge run of fixtures that now lies ahead for Southampton.The episode also includes an update on Benali on Tour, with Martin, Alfie and Alex now past 80% of their fundraising target for Saints Foundation ahead of their Lake District challenge. You can support that here: https://saintsfoundation.enthuse.com/pf/total-saints-podcast-x-daily-echoThanks for listening to the Total Saints Podcast, brought to you by our Patreon community and supported this season by Paul Castle Associates and Steam Town Brewery. 

Saints head into the international break in the top six after a professional 2-0 win over Oxford United at St Mary’s. Martin is joined by Steve Grant, Glen de la Cour and George Rees-Julian to reflect on another important three points, a stunning long-range strike from Shea Charles, and a result that keeps Southampton’s momentum rolling at exactly the right time. The panel discuss Saints’ latest tactical tweak under Tonda, why this side is finding different ways to win, and whether fourth place is now a realistic target heading into the final stretch of the season. There’s also chat about the Oxford reaction to the Saints Foundation advertising boards, the growing importance of Fin Azaz, James Bree and Daniel Peretz, plus a look at the wider promotion and relegation picture.

Saints are back in the top six — but they had to earn it the hard way.A 1–0 win over an in-form Norwich side at St Mary’s extends Southampton’s unbeaten run to 13 games in all competitions and keeps the momentum firmly in their favour as the season heads into its final stretch. Finn Azaz’s 10th goal of the campaign proved decisive, but this was far from a free-flowing performance. Instead, it was a display built on resilience, discipline, and a growing ability to win games in different ways — something that could prove crucial in the play-off run-in. We break down the key moments from a tense night at St Mary’s, including Daniel Peretz’s standout performance in goal, the physical challenge posed by Norwich, and what this result says about the evolution of this Saints side under pressure.There’s also discussion around the refereeing decisions, tactical tweaks, and whether this team now has the mentality needed for promotion.Looking ahead, attention turns to another crucial home fixture as Oxford United visit St Mary’s — a side fighting for survival and unlikely to make things easy.With momentum building and the stakes rising, Saints are firmly in the play-off fight.

We're doing Benali on Tour, please sponsor us if you can! https://saintsfoundation.enthuse.com/pf/total-saints-podcast-x-daily-echoSouthampton produced what might be their best result of the season, beating league leaders Coventry 2-1 away from home to move within three points of the play-off places.In Episode 366 of the Total Saints Podcast, Martin Starke is joined by Glen de la Cour, Alfie House (Daily Echo) and Tom Prentki to break down a huge win at the CBS Arena and what it means for Saints’ promotion push.The panel discuss Tonda Eckert’s tactical switch to a 4-1-4-1 system, the standout performances from Flynn Downes, Matsuki and Daniel Peretz, and whether this victory finally proves Saints can compete with the Championship’s top sides. There’s also debate around the team’s improved defensive structure, the growing momentum heading into the final stretch of the season, and whether Saints now have the belief to push for the play-offs.Looking ahead, Saints return to St Mary’s for two important home fixtures, starting with Norwich City on Wednesday night. With the Canaries in strong form themselves, the panel preview the challenge ahead and give their score predictions.Elsewhere, we round up the latest Southampton news including the FA Cup quarter-final against Arsenal, the latest injury updates, and the ongoing Benali on Tour fundraiser supporting the Saints Foundation.If you enjoy the podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review and consider supporting TSP on Patreon.

We're doing Benali on Tour, please sponsor us if you can! https://saintsfoundation.enthuse.com/pf/total-saints-podcast-x-daily-echoSouthampton rescued a dramatic late point at The Hawthorns as Cyle Larin’s stoppage-time header secured a 1-1 draw with West Brom and extended Saints’ unbeaten run to eleven matches in all competitions. After the high of knocking Fulham out of the FA Cup just days earlier, Saints struggled for rhythm against a well-organised West Brom side and spent much of the evening looking short of energy and attacking ideas.The result keeps Southampton three points behind Wrexham with ten games remaining in the promotion race, but it also felt like a missed opportunity to tighten the play-off picture. There was also concern over Leo Scienza, who was forced off in the first half with what appeared to be a groin injury – a potential blow to Saints’ attacking options if he misses upcoming fixtures. On this week’s podcast, the panel analyse whether the late point was valuable or frustrating, discuss the impact of Saints’ squad rotation after the FA Cup win over Fulham, and debate whether Cyle Larin should now be leading the line more regularly.Attention then turns to Saturday’s huge away trip to league leaders Coventry City, as Southampton attempt to maintain momentum and keep their promotion hopes alive heading into the final stretch of the season.

We're doing Benali on Tour, please sponsor us if you can! https://saintsfoundation.enthuse.com/pf/total-saints-podcast-x-daily-echoSouthampton are into the FA Cup quarter-finals after a late Ross Stewart penalty secured a 1–0 win at Fulham, extending Saints’ unbeaten run to 10 matches in all competitions.It was a game of missed opportunities at Craven Cottage. Saints created chances through Scienza, Larin and Azaz, while Fulham also struggled to convert promising moments in a match that rarely found its rhythm. The decisive moment finally arrived in stoppage time when Fin Azaz was brought down in the box and Ross Stewart calmly converted from the spot.The result not only sends Saints into the last eight of the FA Cup but continues the remarkable turnaround under Tonda Eckert. When he arrived, the club sat 21st in the Championship — now Saints are pushing for the play-offs while also making progress in the cup.We break down the key moments from the Fulham game, including the controversial disallowed goal, the missed chances at both ends and the impact of Fulham making nine changes to their side. We also discuss confidence within the squad, the importance of extending the unbeaten run and who stood out in our Player of the Week discussion.The focus then turns quickly back to the league as Saints travel to West Brom on Wednesday night, with the Championship schedule beginning to intensify. With West Brom currently on a long winless run, Saints will be hoping to continue their momentum and keep climbing the table.

Saints made it nine unbeaten in all competitions with a 3–1 win over Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough — a result that felt more professional than spectacular, but no less important in the context of the season.All three goals came from defenders, with James Bree continuing his remarkable scoring run, Ryan Manning delivering another superb free-kick just before half-time, and Taylor Harwood-Bellis finishing the job from a corner. It capped off a strong three-game week that produced seven points from a possible nine, nine goals scored and just two conceded.With Saints now only four points off the play-off places, the conversation is starting to shift. Is this still about play-off hope, or has it become expectation? We discuss the growing defensive solidity, the ability to manage games, and the response after Sheffield Wednesday briefly threatened to make it a contest at 2–1. There’s also a reflection on squad depth, rotation under Tonda Eckert, and whether the balance now looks more settled than at any point earlier in the campaign.We also address the ongoing concerns around Ross Stewart’s fitness, Cam Bragg’s contribution in midfield, and what this current run really tells us about Saints’ mentality ahead of a crucial stretch of fixtures.Finally, we look ahead to Fulham away in the FA Cup. Is it a chance to test ourselves against Premier League opposition, or should full focus remain on promotion?Nine unbeaten. Momentum building. The season is very much alive.

Thanks to everyone who’s helped us reach 26% of our Benali On Tour target so far. Please sponsor us if you can! - https://saintsfoundation.enthuse.com/pf/total-saints-podcast-x-daily-echoSaints responded in style.After the frustration of Charlton, Southampton delivered a five-star performance at St Mary’s, thrashing QPR 5–0 to climb to 7th in the Championship and reignite the playoff push.In this episode of the Total Saints Podcast, we look back at a dominant display that saw Finn Azaz back among the goals, Matsuki stake a serious claim for a starting place, and Cyle Larin impress on his first league start with some powerful hold-up play. We also discuss James Bree’s knack for spectacular goals, Daniel Peretz’s clean sheet obsession, and whether Saints are finally building real momentum at the right time.With 38 points taken from 21 matches under Tonda Eckert, is this team quietly becoming one of the form sides in the division?The focus then shifts to Hillsborough as Saints head to face Sheffield Wednesday. We’re joined by football writer and Wednesday fan Paul Hirst to discuss the Owls’ off-field turmoil, relegation reality, and what Saints can expect on Saturday.With four consecutive away games coming up, this could define the season.

Southampton were left frustrated once again as a dominant display yielded just a point in a 1–1 draw with Charlton at St Mary’s. Despite 72% possession, 28 shots and nine corners, Saints couldn’t turn control into three points. Ross Stewart’s excellent header gave Saints the lead, but defensive lapses and disruptive substitutions allowed Nathan Jones’ side back into it.We analyse the missed chances, the impact of the substitutions, Flynn Downes’ fire and whether criticism of Finn Azaz and Tom Fellows is fair. With seven games unbeaten but slipping to 11th in a congested table, how damaging could this result prove?Attention quickly turns to QPR on Tuesday night. Level on points with Saints and arriving in solid away form, it’s another big test in a crucial week. We preview the match, discuss selection dilemmas and share our score predictions.There’s also discussion on Saints’ FA fine following the Pompey clash, Fulham away in the FA Cup, and the latest on our Benali on Tour fundraiser for the Saints Foundation.