Southampton know that victory is imperative tomorrow, as they prepare themselves for their penultimate home game of the season against AFC Bournemouth.
Mark Hughes, who is winless in the league since his reign began in March, has identified this match as a ‘must-win’, as he looks to steer Saints clear of relegation, which would be quite an accomplishment.
Bournemouth, who are nine points ahead of Saints in the table, make the short trip up the A31 looking to earn some points that will all but confirm their safety and send their South Coast companions closer to Championship.
Last time these two sides met at St Mary’s, the hype of the ‘South Coast derby’ was overshadowed by the goalless result.
In a game where 26 shots were taken all together, only seven were on target, with both sides striking the post in the encounter.
The best chance fell to Harry Arter, who saw his late penalty fly over the crossbar after appearing to slip as he took it. Bournemouth also had a chance cleared off the line by James Ward-Prowse, with Cherries goalkeeper Artur Boruc making some good saves at the other end.
Southampton need to find the net on Saturday and secure a vital three points.
