Everybody loves a good relegation six-pointer, especially when it comes so near to the end of the season. Over the last few years, both Swansea and Southampton have experienced the highest of highs in the form of European adventures. Alas, they’ve also experienced the lowest of lows this season, with both teams flirting with relegation after seeming like PL regulars for a while.
Swansea
Under Carlos Carvahal, Swansea started off strong, but they’ve faltered down the stretch in a big, big way. The Welsh side will have more motivation than ever to remain in the top flight after witnessing bitter rivals Cardiff City gain promotion, but beyond that, they’ll want to remind everyone as to why they’ve been members of the Premier League for so many years now.
Team News
Bartley is out with an injury but aside from that, Swansea have a full squad tomorrow night.
Southampton
It’s always felt like one day, the Saints’ policy of selling their best players on to bigger clubs was going to come back and haunt them. It seems as if that day has finally come, with Mark Hughes being the man given the chance to rectify things late in the season. Right now, Southampton feel like a shadow of their former selves, but this is a big opportunity for them to upset the odds.
Team News
Maya Yoshida is suspended whereas Davis is injured, and Lemina is also a doubt.
Factors to Consider
-Southampton are currently in 17th, above Swansea in 18th on goal difference.
-The Swans have won just two of their last 12 games against Southampton.
-The fixture back in August between these two sides finished 0-0.
-Southampton have won just once in their last 10 PL games.
-This is the first time Swansea have gone into a game in the relegation zone since early March.
Conclusion
There’s something about the atmosphere of a home crowd during a midweek game, and we feel like that’s going to take Swansea towards victory here. It’s not going to be pretty, but Southampton will be low on confidence after dropping points late on at the weekend – so we’ll say 2-1 Swans.
Prediction: Swansea win
