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Southampton heads to the City Ground for a crucial match against Nottingham Forest in their last attempt to avoid relegation. The Saints are six points away from the safety zone and have only secured one point out of the last fifteen available. Despite the unfavorable results, Rubén Sellés’ men are still mathematically alive and will only have a chance at survival if they win against Forest.
Nottingham Forest finds themselves in a similar situation, tied on thirty points with relegation rivals Leicester City and Leeds United and 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.
Both teams will be desperate for a victory, as they face off in a match that could decide their Premier League fate. Forest managed to secure a 1-0 win against Southampton in the reverse fixture, and the Saints will be looking for revenge.
Sellés confirmed that Southampton will remain without injured center-back Mohamed Salisu and that 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 and are unavailable for first-team action. Despite his limited minutes since returning from his injury, Ché Adams could start against Forest.
The Nottingham Post reported that Forest will be without Dean Henderson, Scott McKenna, Chris Wood, Wily Boly, and Neco Williams. However, Danilo and Brennan Johnson will likely be available after featuring against Brentford.
Southampton has 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 has been in crisis, losing five of their last six matches.
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 has lacked the creative acumen to generate goals.
Southampton similarly has not shown mental fortitude in their must-win matches this season, and if Forest gains control early, it could mean disaster for the South Coast side. The crowd will be a significant factor, as Forest fans know that their own team’s Premiership hopes depend on this game.
In conclusion, the match between Nottingham Forest and Southampton could be as compelling as a title-decider, as both teams will be desperate for a victory. However, a cagey match can be expected, and the game could end in a draw. Nevertheless, both clubs should fight until the final whistle and leave it all on the pitch.
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