Southampton have their sights set on making an instant return to the Premier League and they’re currently in a fight for automatic promotion.
Russell Martin‘s side have endured difficult patches throughout the season, but for the most part, they’ve been exceptional.
They went on a remarkable 25-game unbeaten run and looked like certs to go up inside the top two at one stage.
Another blip ensued last month but they’ve started March off with two successive wins and remain in the hunt.
Adam Armstong has been at the forefront of their success and has racked up an incredible 18 goals and 11 assists.
He became the first Southampton player since Rickie Lambert during the 2011/12 season to register double figures in goals and assists.
Armstrong could yet be joined in the elite club by one of his teammates.
Che Adams could join Adam Armstong in incredible stat
Che Adams has enjoyed a productive season for the South Coasters in what could be his final year at St Mary’s.
The 27-year-old is out of contract in the summer and dropped a hint on his future in a recent interview with the club.
Adams is a talismanic figure for Martin’s side and his 17-goal contributions across all competitions evince that notion.
The former Birmingham City forward has netted 12 times and has laid on five assists in 35 appearances, so in the remaining 10 games of the campaign, he needs to turn provider five times to join Armstrong in the record-breaking stat.
Che Adams key to automatic promotion hopes
Whilst Armstrong has taken much of the limelight for Saints this season, it’s been Adams who has enabled his strike partner to shine.
The Scotland international is a tremendous link-up player and is the main focal point of Martin’s forward line.
With Southampton looking to close the six-point gap on second-placed Leeds United, who have played a game more, Adams will be imperative to their hopes of surmounting the difference.
The incentive of Premier League football is enough for any player to perform and push that little extra, but he can use Amstrong’s double figures record as extra motivation.
Speaking to the Southampton website this week, he referenced his ambition to increase his output: “Not as good as Arma (Adam Armstrong), but still trying to get there,” Adams said.
“I think as a striker you’re always judged off goals, and to be scoring is always nice, but I’ve always said it throughout my time here, it’s about where the club are going to be.”