Southampton face Stoke City in the Premier League as they look to pick up a massive three points in the race to avoid the drop.
The match will go ahead despite there being hazardous conditions throughout the UK in the last couple of days, which has seen a large level of snowfall.
Saints claimed a vital point last weekend as they drew 1-1 with Burnley at Turf Moor thanks to a late leveller from Manolo Gabbiadini to salvage the draw. As for Stoke, they also come into the game after a 1-1 draw as they drew with Leicester City at the King Power stadium.
The draw at Burnley lifted the Saints back out of the drop zone in the Premier League on goal difference ahead of Crystal Palace and Swansea City.
The hosts come into the match in some mixed form having collected six points from their last five games in the league which has included three draws.
As for Stoke, they have also picked up six points from their last five including two successive draws.
Mauricio Pellegrino’s side have really struggled in front of their supporters this season picking up just 15 points in home games and currently have the second worst home record in the league.
Stoke on the other hand have the worst away record in the league having picked up just seven points from 14 games on their travels this term.
This game is crucial for both sides and one which both need to win if they are to stay in the Premier League this season, with the games now running out.
The two teams met earlier in the season when Stoke claimed a 2-1 victory at the Bet 365 stadium thanks to a late Peter Crouch strike.
In terms of team news, Saints continue to be without Charlie Austin who remains out with a long term injury. Pellegrino also has concerns over the fitness of Shane Long and Steven Davis ahead of the visit from Stoke whilst Maya Yoshida remains out with a knee injury.
As for the visitors, Lee Grant has been ruled out after breaking his wrist in training this week. Crouch, Stephen Ireland and Ryan Shawcross are facing a race against time to be fit for the game but could all be involved.
I anticipate that it will be a very close contest between two evenly matched sides this weekend but feel as though the home advantage could well make the difference for the Saints.
I think that it will end up as a 2-0 win for the Saints on Saturday afternoon.
