Your Fantasy Football Club by Club Guide: Southampton

The overview

Last season: 5th (BWSL2)

This season expectations: Aiming for top half again

Southampton were one of the best attacking sides in the division last season, scoring freely on their way to a top five finish. Simon Parker's side like to get forward, and while they've lost a few faces over the summer, the core of that goal threat remains intact.

When looking at standout players for Fantasy purposes, look no further than Mary Bashford. An attack-minded midfielder who chipped in with a superb haul of goals (8) last season. She's the sort of profile this game absolutely loves; there’s clean-sheet potential and attacking returns all from one midfielder.

Ellie Brazil offers a lively presence up top. The dynamic forward would have scored 103 points last season. Meanwhile, Michaela McAlonie adds more goals to the team as she contributed five from an xG of 2.8. Southampton did lose a cluster over the summer but maintained much of their attacking quality, so they should again be a side worth mining for those Fantasy points.

Set-piece takers

Corners: Genuinely up for grabs. The players who took the bulk of Southampton's corners last season have all moved on, so there's no settled taker heading into the season. Bashford is probably the most likely.

Penalties: Another open question. Last season's taker has left, so the spot-kick duties are unclaimed for now, one to keep an eye on early doors.

Direct free kicks: Mary Bashford is the most likely to step up and shoot from distance.

Player costs

Southampton are a side to shop at for attacking returns, with one clear name to start with.

Mary Bashford (£7.5m) is the standout, as a midfielder who scores regularly, she should offer some smart returns, since those goals carry that bit more weight, meaning she's a smart way into a decent attack. Ellie Brazil (£7.5m) is the next port of call, a forward who could give you goals at a tempting price, with Michaela McAlonie (£7.0m) a slightly more adventurous punt from the wing.

Megan Collett (£5.5m) is worth a mention at the other end of the pitch. She’s proven herself to be a solid fullback who does the defensive graft and will willingly get forward so there could be some extra involvement points here.

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