Sheffield United will be hoping to build on their shock win over Aston Villa in midweek when they welcome struggling Southampton to Bramall Lane on Saturday.
The Blades remain rooted to the foot of the Premier League table, although they are now 12 points from safety.
Tactics writer @stighefootball explains the importance of @KWPeters to #SaintsFC's system 🌟— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) March 4, 2021
Tactics writer @stighefootball explains the importance of @KWPeters to #SaintsFC's system 🌟
Meanwhile, Saints have plummeted down the standings in recent weeks and now find themselves just seven points clear of the relegation zone.
Despite being reduced to ten men on 57 minutes against Villa, Sheff Utd showed great spirit to defend their lead in midweek.
David McGoldrick put Chris Wilder’s side ahead on the half-hour mark, before Phil Jagielka was sent off early in the second half.
However, despite finishing the game with just 28% possession, the Blades managed to hold on and claim a precious three.
After failing to win any of the first 17 Premier League games this term, Sheff Utd have picked up four victories in their last ten outings.
Of course, they are still miles from safety. But it feels like Wilder’s men aren’t going down without a fight this season.
By contrast, Southampton made a flying start to the season and even found themselves at the top of the pile earlier in the campaign.
But a dismal run of just win one in their previous 14 matches has sent Saints freefalling down the Premier League table over the past couple of months.
Southampton have suffered eight defeats in their last nine league games, picking up a rare draw against Chelsea during that period.
Worse still, Saints have failed to score in each of their previous two matches, losing 3-0 to Leeds and 1-0 to Everton.
With a trip to high-flying Man City on the cards next week, Southampton really can’t afford to drop points on Saturday.
Head-to-head: Southampton claimed an easy 3-0 victory over Sheff Utd in the reverse fixture back in December, thanks to goals from Che Adam, Stuart Armstrong and Nathan Redmond.
In fact, Saints are currently enjoying a run of three straight wins against the Blades, with two clean sheets coming in that time.
Team news: Sheff Utd are suffering a serious injury crisis at the moment, with eight first-team players currently sidelined.
Southampton also have a number of notable absentees right now, with Theo Walcott, Oriol Romeu, Michael Obafemi and Will Smallbone all on the treatment table.
This is likely to be a dull game between two struggling teams, although it could be the perfect opportunity for Southampton to return to winning ways.
Forebet predicts that Saints will get back on track with a low-scoring clean-sheet victory over Sheff Utd on Saturday.