Southampton welcome Sheffield United to St Mary’s Stadium in the first of a packed Super Sunday featuring five Premier League matches.
Depending on results earlier this weekend, a win could see Southampton climb to as high as third.
Sheffield United meanwhile can move closer towards safety with victory, despite still remaining rooted to the foot of the league after this matchweek.
Team News
Southampton have no fresh injury concerns to report, meaning that Ralph Hasenhuttl has a full squad available for selection.
Sheffield Utd could welcome Enda Stevens (knee) plus Ethan Ampadu and Lys Mousset (both unspecified).
Jack O’Connell remains a long-term absentee with a knee injury.
Stat Attack
- Southampton are unbeaten in three of last five meetings against Sheffield United in all competitions (W2, D1, L2).
- Sheffield Utd have taken just one point from three previous Premier League trips to Southampton (D1, L2).
- Hasenhuttl’s Saints have never had a player sent off in six Premier League meetings against Sheffield Utd.
- No Blades player has been caught offside more times this season than Billy Sharp, who was offside on five occasions.
- Only one of Southampton’s last five home goals have come after half-time.
Prediction
Southampton found themselves in a proper battle at Brighton on Monday but they dug deep and their quality eventually shone through, coming from behind to snatch a spirited win.
Sheffield Utd on the other hand lost to Leicester last time out but actually showed positive signs of progress with a strong defensive showing and extra attacking intent, which made life difficult for the Foxes bar two costly defensive errors.
Southampton however are currently in solid form and apart from their defensive wobble in their last home game, they have been tricky opposition to break down at home lately so the Blades have a tough ask and to get a goal here will definitely be signs of further progress.
Prediction: Southampton 2-1 Sheffield United
Result: Southampton 3-0 Sheffield United
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