Southampton FC vs Nottingham Forest FC, Premier League 2022-2023, Today Match Prediction

Southampton FC vs Nottingham Forest FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Clashes near the bottom of the table are just as, if not more, exciting that those near the top of it.

There is so much at stake for both Southampton and Nottingham Forest here, with the two clubs fighting for Premier League survival after dreadful starts to the season.

After 17 games apiece, there has been little to suggest that they have enough quality to get themselves out of their current danger. 

Southampton have switched managers, although the new boss has lost all three of his games in charge, showing that the problems at Southampton go deeper than just the man on the touchline.

Nottingham Forest have seen fit to reward their existing manager with a new contract, despite the serious possibility of relegation this season.

Southampton have the worst home record in the league, while Nottingham Forest have been the weakest in the division on their travels.

There is so much riding on this game for both teams.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Southampton FC Preview

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Looked better against Fulham despite defeat

     Have quality players capable of better than current showing

Reasons to be fearful:

     Five straight defeats means confidence is at rock-bottom

     Taken only six points from a potential 24 at home this season

Southampton have not made the expected start to life under Nathan Jones since his appointment from Championship club Luton Town.

Often, new managers can bring about a lift from their existing players that can ease their problems. That’s not happened here.

Worryingly, it seems as though the club won’t look to bring in new recruits in the January transfer window, possibly due to a lack of funds. That’s not what you want to hear when you’re rooted to the bottom of the league.

Without new talent, you find it hard to see how Southampton can improve from their current position. 

Their record at St Mary’s has been dreadful this season – the worst of any team at their home ground. They have goalscorers but no confidence.

Star Man – James Ward-Prowse

Bounced back well from scoring an own goal to netting one at the right end in Saints’ defeat to Fulham in their last game. He’s arguably their most consistent performer and a driving force in midfield.

Nottingham Forest FC Preview

Reasons to be cheerful

     Played brilliantly at times against Chelsea to earn a point

     Two defeats from their last seven represents progress for Forest

Reasons to be fearful

     Yet to win away from home this season

     Have the league’s poorest away record

Nottingham Forest will have taken great encouragement from the way they played against Chelsea in their last game.

Although they went behind early on, they restricted Chelsea to minimal attempts on goal and looked lively going forward themselves. They eventually got the goal, and the draw, their play deserved.

For some reason, they don’t seem to be able to put in that level of performance away from the City Ground. They are yet to win on their travels this season, and haven’t scored in any of their last six away matches.

In fact, they’ve only scored once away from the City Ground this season, an embarrassing statistic that needs to change if Forest are to lift themselves out of the bottom three. 

Forest have a lengthy injury list, although Cooper could select the same XI that started against Chelsea.

Star Man – Taiwo Awoniyi

Awoniyi was magnificent against Chelsea, especially when Forest managed to win the ball and break quickly. The Forest striker has terrific pace not many defenders can cope with.