Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy is our Christmas No. 1 this weekend as the cover star of SAINTS, the club’s matchday programme.
Manchester City are the visitors to St Mary’s on Saturday before the traditional hectic festive period kicks into gear, with 2,000 Saints supporters set to be in attendance.
Family man McCarthy invited the SAINTS production team into his back garden for an extended interview about life on and off the pitch in 2020.
Manager Ralph Hasenhüttl includes a Christmas message to the fans in his notes, while Stuart Armstrong describes the feeling of having the supporters back in the stands after nine months away.
Sam Tighe takes a tactical look at our visitors, explaining what’s changed about Pep Guardiola’s approach this season to spark a mean defensive record at the expense of the usual glut of goals.
Elsewhere, club historian Barry Webb recalls Saints playing the role of party poopers in the last ever game at Maine Road, back in 2003, while there’s a host of quizzes and games to help keep our younger readers occupied in the lead up to Christmas.
The 68-page edition of SAINTS, priced at £3.50, is available now. Supporters are encouraged to buy online, with delivery costing just 99p. Programmes will not be sold at St Mary's on the day.
A discounted subscription offer for the second half of the season is also available online, with delivery included in the cost.
Supporters are reminded to submit their matchday dedications to feature inside future editions of SAINTS by e-mailing [email protected].