Southampton vs Nottingham Forest Preview – How To Watch Relegation Six-pointer On TV, Team News & Prediction
Southampton head to Nottingham in a Last Gasp Attempt to Stave off Relegation
The Saints sit six points away from the coveted goal of remaining in the Premier League for another season. With just one point earned out of the last available fifteen, Southampton fans have been bracing themselves for what seems like an inevitable drop to the Championship. However, Rubén Sellés’ men are still mathematically alive, and will head to the City Ground knowing that (forgive me if this sounds familiar) nothing but a win is sufficient to give them a chance at survival.
Forest also find themselves in the drop zone, tied on thirty points with relegation rivals Leicester City and Leeds United, but behind on goal difference. With Chelsea and Arsenal still to play, Steve Cooper’s side will also be targeting three points against a fellow bottom side.
At this end of the season, a clash between 18th and 20th can become as compelling as a title-decider, as both teams will be desperate for a victory. Forest escaped St. Mary’s with a 1-0 win against the Nathan Jones-led Saints in the reverse fixture, and Southampton players will be looking for revenge.
Southampton vs Forest: Team News and Predicted Lineups
Saints boss Rubén Sellés confirmed Southampton will remain without centre-back Mohamed Salisu, who has been unavailable since picking up a knock on international duty. Romain Perraud is out for the season after picking up an injury against Bournemouth. Tino Livramento and Juan Larios are continuing their rehabilitation from long-term injuries but remain unavailable for first-team action. Ché Adams has seen limited minutes since returning from his injury, but could start against Forest.
Saints Predicted Lineup: McCarthy, Walker-Peters, Bednarek, Bella-Kotchap, Maitland-Niles, Ward-Prowse, Lavia, Sulemana, Armstrong S., Alcaraz, Adams
According to the Nottingham Post, Forest will be without Dean Henderson, Scott McKenna, Chris Wood, Wily Boly, and Neco Williams. Danilo and Brennan Johnson will be likely available after featuring against Brentford.
Forest Predicted Lineup: Navas, Niakhate, Felipe, Worrall, Lodi, Danilo, Kouyate, Aurier, Gibbs-White, Johnson, Awoniyi
Saints Recent Form
Newcastle 3-1 Southampton (30/04)
Southampton 0-1 Bournemouth (27/04)
Arsenal 3-3 Southampton (21/04)
Southampton 0-2 Crystal Palace (15/04)
Southampton 1-4 Manchester City (08/04)
Forest Recent Form
Brentford 2-1 Nottingham Forest (29/04)
Nottingham Forest 3-1 Brighton (26/04)
Liverpool 3-2 Nottingham Forest (22/04)
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Manchester United (16/04)
Aston Villa 2-0 Nottingham Forest (08/04
Where to Watch Saints vs Nottingham Forest
Kickoff: Monday May 8th, 8pm BST
Location: The City Ground
TV and Streaming: In the UK the game will be televised on Sky Sports. In the USA it will be shown on the USA network.
Prediction
Southampton have failed to secure even a point in their recent six-pointer relegation matches, which is a major factor behind their struggles this season. Nottingham Forest similarly have been in a crisis, losing five of their last six.
Expect a cagey opening to the match, with both sides realizing that each kick of the ball could be the difference between Premier League survival and Championship relegation. The Saints’ preferred style has been to let the opposition have the majority of possession, and spark scoring chances through pressing high and winning the ball up the pitch. Against sides who prefer to sit back and absorb pressure like Nottingham Forest, Southampton thus far have lacked the creative acumen to generate goals.
Southampton similarly have not shown mental fortitude in their must-win matches this season, and if Forest gain control early it could mean disaster for the South Coast side. The crowd will be a major factor, as Forest fans know that their own team’s Premiership hopes depend on this game.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Southampton