Southampton end thirteen-year wait to replicate derby domination again | OneFootball

Portsmouth have avoided a Championship relegation this season, securing the long-awaited return of their fiery derby against Southampton.

For the majority of Premier League fans, Southampton's season in a nutshell has been unbelievably bland. Yet, just see the situation as a Saints supporter, for whom, it's been a miraculous April so far.

Hasn’t it felt like a surprising blast from the past at St. Mary’s lately?

Firstly, among all the managers Southampton has seen this campaign, it was returnee interim Simon Rusk who helped them escape the worst club tag. On top of that, just yesterday, the Saints were reminded of their decades-back transfer mistake that built up Chelsea's fortune.

And now in a surprise turn of events, Southampton receive an update, for their historic South Coast rivalry, arguably the fiercest in the club’s history.

Let’s break the suspense. After thirteen years, the infamous Derby, Southampton Vs Portsmouth is officially back on the horizon.

Despite teetering on the edge of relegation for much of the season, Portsmouth have now secured safety in the Championship.

Though only just above the drop even now, the Daily Echo reports Portsmouth's guaranteed relegation escape given the matchday circumstances. And with Southampton already confirmed for the drop, the next campaign promises fireworks as the South Coast giants are set to clash once again.

Southampton welcome back Portsmouth for a new rivalry chapter

Now, facing your arch-rivals brings with it a sense of thrill, but more than that, Southampton supporters would be happy to see Portsmouth again.

This is because beyond the heated geography-based rivalry, Saints have always enjoyed an upper hand on Pompeys, and they would love to extend that further.

What’s even more promising? The last time Southampton faced Portsmouth in the league, the Saints were propelled into one of the most successful stretches in their Premier League era, a straight-up climb that peaked with their best-ever top-flight finish.

Well, given the club's recent situation, who wouldn't welcome a bit of such Pompey-induced good luck again? So, let's keep up the support Southampton fans, with heads held high for the incoming Portsmouth showdown.