Southampton host Premier League bottom side Huddersfield on Sunday to finish the season. Neither team goes into the fixture in very good form but they will want to end on a high note.
The Saints are coming off of a 3-0 loss against West Ham last weekend, which ended a run of back to back draws. Manager Ralph Hassenhuttl has turned Southampton around from the doldrums they were in earlier this season.
Next term, Southampton could be a far better team after an offseason with Hassenhutl in charge. Before they get to next term, however, Southampton need to get through Sunday against the Terriers.
Huddersfied are coming off of a surprise 1-1 draw against Manchester United last weekend. The Terriers gave up a first half goal but came back to achieve only their 15th point of the season.
Southampton may not be in great form, but they are undefeated against Huddersfield in three Premier League meetings. The Saints have earned a win and two draws against the Yorkshire side in the top-flight.
Earlier this season, Southampton defeated Huddersfield 3-1 at the John Smith’s Stadium. Nathan Redmond, Danny Ings, and Michael Obafemi scored for Southampton while Philip Billing scored for the Terriers.
Huddersfield have lost seven consecutive league matches. The road has been very difficult for Jan Siewert’s team all season long as they have secured just one victory on their travels. Huddersfied have not scored in eight of their last nine away fixtures.
Five of Southampton’s last six games have seen both teams score. The Saints have been unable to keep opposing teams out of goal but they have scored too.
Hassenhuttl will be with Jannick Vestergaard, Alex McCarthy, and Michael Obafemi for the final day of the season. Maya Yoshida could be available after suffering from an illness this week.
Siewert has lost the services of Erick Duram due to a lower body injury. Meanwhile, Mathias Jorgensen and Ben Hamer could be fit for Sunday’s game as they return from their respective issues.
Huddersfield’s history against Southampton doesn’t bode well for a victory away at St. Mary’s Stadium. The Terriers last victory against Southampton came in 2010 when both clubs played in League One.
Four of the seven matches between Southampton and Huddersfield have ended with over 2.5 goals scored. In addition, four games have featured both teams scoring goals.
Sunday’s game should be another match that sees over 2.5 goals scored as both sides find the back of the net. Despite Huddersfield’s point a weekend ago, their time in the Premier League will end in a loss to Southampton.