What pundits have said on Southampton ahead of Nottingham Forest trip

Yet, they are still alive. Just about. And they have one more realistic chance to breathe life back into their survival fight when they travel to Nottingham Forest on Monday night.

Steve Cooper’s side start the day six points ahead of Saints but if they do their job at the City Ground – and results fall their way – Ruben Selles and his team could end the weekend just three points away from safety.

READ MORE: Three big questions for Saints and Selles ahead of final chance at Nottingham Forest

That in itself is of course no easy task considering Saints lengthy winless run and their consistent failures this season to step up when faced with crucial games against those around them. But they do have an iota of a chance and that is probably more than they deserve.

So how is the wider football world feeling about Saints’ chances?

Understandably there isn’t a lot of optimism as we recap what pundits have said ahead of tonight’s 8PM kick-off in Nottingham…

Chris Sutton

“As I’ve said before, I’ve given up on Southampton,” Sutton said in his Premier League predictions column on BBC Sport.

“After watching what was such a gutless performance from them against Bournemouth last week, I am backing them to lose every game they have left this season. I know Saints fans love their club but, deep down, I think they will probably agree with me.

“As for Nottingham Forest? Well, I think my boyhood club are going to stay up. They have got some tough games coming up but they are still scrapping.

“This is one they will expect to win, and it could be the moment they kick on. Southampton, though, have already gone – they are going to be relegated. Anyone who says anything different is wrong, I’m afraid.”

Mark Lawrenson

“It feels like Southampton are doomed anyway. I think they are gone,” Lawrenson told Paddy Power. 

“Forest’s home form was really strong but it has dipped. However, I still feel like they can get the result they need here. It’ll give them a chance of surviving.”

Alan Shearer

“Nottingham Forest against Southampton is huge. I think Southampton have already gone,” the former Saints striker said on this weekend’s Match of the Day. 

“I think it’s going to be tough for Leeds, particularly with the way they defend.”

Tony Cascarino

“Southampton have got Nottingham Forest away and Fulham at home, which you would like to think if they have got any chance, they have got to get maximum points, basically to have any chance of surviving,” Cascarino said on Talksport. 

“So it is a big, tough ask and the relegation battle has been really intriguing this year.

“If they (Saints) lose, I just can’t see them doing it after that to expect them to literally win three games, or maybe seven points, but that would be a big maybe. They have to go to Forest with the intention of winning the game.

“They made massive changes last summer behind the scenes with the coaching staff and then went for a new direction with potential in players they thought they could buy and bring in to the football club, and if they excelled, they could maybe move on.

“It was a bit of a different idea and I think they lost their way slightly. (James) Ward-Prowse has been superb for them, he was their top scorer last season, but it has really just been a difficult year.”

Paul Merson

“This is an absolute cup final if there ever was one,” Merson said in his weekly predictions column with Sportskeeda. “If Nottingham Forest don’t win, turn the lights out for them.

“On the other hand, if they somehow manage to get three points, it might be enough for them. Leeds United are also in the thick of the relegation battle and I can’t see them winning a game of football between now and the end of the season, so this is a game and a half for Forest.

“This is one of the biggest games in Forest’s history since their European Cup final in 1980 as they fought tooth and nail to return to the Premier League after a ridiculous amount of time away from the top flight.

“I watch Southampton every week and while they play good football and create chances, they never seem to make it count.”