Southampton face a trip to Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon, and two pundits are predicting a difficult afternoon for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.
Saints head into this game in 13th place after a 1-1 draw against Manchester United before the international break.
The Blades, too, secured a score draw against top-six opposition, as they came back from two goals down to secure a point away at Chelsea.
It’s likely to be a close encounter between the teams at Bramall Lane, but it seems some pundits are expecting Sheffield United to have the best chance of securing a positive result.
Mark Lawrenson predicted a 2-1 win for the hosts, and wrote for BBC Sport:
I think their [Sheffield United’s] good start will continue this weekend too. Southampton are another team who have had some very mixed performances and results this season, which is why I am backing the Blades to pick up another three points.
Charlie Nicholas, meanwhile, told Sky Sports that he feels this one will be a 2-2 draw and an extremely tight encounter:
If Nathan Redmond is not fit on Saturday, I don’t think they [Southampton] have enough of a threat up front. There are decent qualities in both teams and Sheffield Utd will pin them back but it will be close, too close to call.
Read Southampton’s verdict
Understandably, Sheffield United are regarded as the favourites for this match. After all, they’re three places above Southampton on the Premier League table and boast a very strong home record.
However, it is in games such as these that Saints tend to have their fair share of chances. The Blades will look to play on the front foot, and as such, space in behind may be vacated by their defensive unit.
Southampton are at their best when they are breaking away at pace; the key will be whether or not the likes of Danny Ings and Che Adams can take the opportunities that fall their way.
With Redmond injured and Moussa Djenepo unlikely to play too much of a role, getting through this game unscathed wouldn’t be the end of the world. Although it is a winnable match, a point away at Bramall Lane without key attacking players isn’t a bad outcome.
A win would be marvellous; a draw would be acceptable. Defeat, however, will simply not suffice this weekend, as Saints gear up for a tricky run of fixtures.
