On Saturday, Southampton will host Stoke City on their home field. The "Saints" are hoping to taste victory again after two disheartening defeats from Cardiff and Leicester. Currently, Southampton are sitting in the fourth spot, and hopes for the second place are no longer in play. Stoke City, on the other hand, has dropped to the 17th position and they need a single victory for a comfortable finish in the championship.
Russel Martin may be disheartened by the championship's ending, but there's still a chance to earn promotion through the play-offs. The "Saints" had been doing great in the championship, but after their record series, they notably slowed down and altogether lost their winning position at the finish. Now on the agenda is preparing for elimination matches, a task they are approaching with an overcrowded infirmary.
The visitors have only lost one out of their last six matches and have practically secured their stay in the Championship for the coming year. If Birmingham City cannot defeat Huddersfield, a draw in tomorrow's match will suffice for Stoke.
After their defeat to Leicester, the hosts will want to redeem themselves in front of their fans. Furthermore, an additional standing tribune has been opened at St. Mary's. The support will be furious, and therefore, they can't afford to make any mistakes. The lack of tournament motivation resulting in lessened nerves should also be considered. Southampton can relax and simply play their game. The quality of the play set by Russel Martin is absolutely outstanding. I prefer to take a risk and choose a handicap of -1,5 for the hosts.
Southampton practically always plays productive matches, in many ways thanks to their weak defence. However, tomorrow's match should play out differently, and the 'Saints' should secure a confident victory. But if there is a different outcome, a total over 3 should still be reached.
Comments0