Southampton will look to dust themselves off from their 1-0 opening day defeat away at Newcastle United as they welcome Nottingham Forest to St Mary’s on Saturday.
Russell Martin‘s side stood up well to their first test of the Premier League season but Southampton were unable to capitalise on Newcastle going down to ten men to take anything from the game.
A costly Alex McCarthy error in the Southampton goal proved the difference as Joelinton’s strike was the only goal in a game in which the Saints enjoyed 78% possession and were impressive even before the 28th-minute Fabian Schar red card.
Now it is time for Martin to oversee his first home fixture as a Premier League manager as Nottingham Forest come to town for what could be viewed as a very early relegation six pointer.
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Chris Sutton predicts Southampton to lose against Nottingham Forest despite praise
Southampton’s playing style under Martin will be divisive this season.
When the Saints win it will be seen as a cause for commendation, whilst defeats will inevitably lead to accusations of naivety from the Southampton manager.
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Pundit Chris Sutton has been looking ahead to the weekend’s Premier League fixtures for BBC Sport, where he praised Southampton’s display against Newcastle by saying: “Southampton were brilliant at Newcastle.”
He did caveat this by adding: “If there was a criticism of them it was they didn’t really create enough when Newcastle went down to 10 men. Southampton’s performance deserved something.”
The former Blackburn Rovers striker then said: “Forest had the horrendous injury to Danilo, which is a big blow to them.”
However, bizarrely Sutton’s comments did not seem to be reflected by his prediction as he feels Forest will end the affair 1-0 winners.
Southampton must take chances against Nottingham Forest
Sutton’s criticism of Southampton’s ability to create chances against Newcastle is valid, with the Saints mustering just four shots on target.
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However, it should be remembered that they were facing a side with ten men who were camped on the edge of their box to protect a 1-0 lead for the majority of the contest.
The home match against Forest should be far more open and Martin will be confident his side can create far more opportunities than last weekend.
What will be key to the result is whether the likes of Ben Brereton Diaz and Adam Armstrong can take these chances.
Whilst it may only be the second game of the season, a win at home will give everyone associated with Southampton real belief that they are capable of staying in the Premier League this season.