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Match preview
A huge game on the South Coast as two of the Premier League’s bottom three go head-to-head.
Southampton come into this one having lost each of their last five league matches, and all three since Nathan Jones’ arrival.
Boxing Day’s 3-1 drubbing at the hands of Brighton was followed by Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Craven Cottage.
James Ward-Prowse had seemingly snatched a point, with a trademark, gorgeous free-kick, only for Fulham to win it in the last minute.
That defeat on New Year’s Eve has seen Southampton slip to the foot of the table, in desperate need of a first home victory since August.
Nottingham Forest meantime are incrementally moving up the table, seeking a victory here that would see them leap above the dreaded dotted line.
Steve Cooper’s team have now lost just two of their last seven, these defeats coming at the Emirates and Old Trafford.
Away matches in general continue to be Forest’s kryptonite.
Their last Premier League goal on the road came at Everton on 20 August, playing over 549 minutes without finding the net.
For context, the United Kingdom has had two new Prime Ministers since then.
So, will Forest’s away day struggles continue, or can they plunge Southampton into even deeper peril?
Southampton team news
Nathan Jones switched to a back three on New Year’s Eve, having deployed a four in his first two Premier League games.
It’ll be interesting to see which system he opts for in this one.
Fit again Roméo Lavia, who impressed early on in the season, could be in contention to return to midfield.
Mohammed Salisu is one yellow card away from a ban.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Bazunu; Lyanco, Bella-Kotchap, Salisu; Walker-Peters, Ward-Prowse, Lavia; Maitland-Niles; Aribo, Edozie, Adams.
Nottingham Forest team news
Steve Cooper too has alternated between a back three and four during this season, but is set to continue with the four used on Sunday.
Morgan Gibbs-White was fit again quicker than expected, and proved his worth against Chelsea.
Taiwo Awoniyi too led the line excellently, so will continue to get the nod over Emmanuel Bonaventure Dennis.
Cheikhou Kouyaté and Giulian Biancone are both out injured long-term, while Jesse Lingard is unlikely to be fit.
Four players, Steve Cook, Scott McKenna, Ryan Yates and Joe Worrall, would miss the East Midlands derby against Leicester if booked here.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Henderson, Aurier, Boly, Worrall, Lodi; Mangala, Yates, Freuler; Johnson, Gibbs-White, Awoniyi.
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Southampton vs Nottingham Forest: Match statistics
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