Southampton desperately need points

There is currently no break in the English Premier League. A difficult phase of the season is on the agenda for the clubs. A Southampton vs Nottingham prediction is not easy at the moment, because both teams are in the bottom of the table in England.

It is clear that Southampton are slight favourites with the bookmakers. However, the hosts also have the greater pressure compared to Nottingham, because the last results were not right. The Saints almost have to score.

The match will kick off on Wednesday at 20:30, then we will see which team has prepared better for the opponent. In any case, the current results and performances do not suggest that an attacking spectacle awaits the spectators.

Southampton – Statistics & current form

Southampton FC played at Fulham FC on Saturday. Actually, the performance was good, Nathan Jones’ team created some chances and scored a goal worth seeing. Only that was not enough because the opponent was efficient. Fulham won 2-1 and the Saints remain bottom of the Premier League table.

That is to change, but a win is needed in the basement duel against 18th-placed Nottingham. That would enable them to overtake their opponents in the table. After all, the first non-relegation place is currently only two points away, so the situation is critical but not dramatic. Much will depend on whether Southampton can maintain their performance from the Fulham game and at the same time improve offensively.

The team’s best marksman, Che Adams, has four goals to his name. It could therefore make sense for Southampton to add to their attacking output in the winter. The market is being watched. In general, the Saints have only scored 15 goals this season, nine of which have been scored at home, where they have only won one match.

Southampton: results don’t add up

The change of coach has also not yet brought the desired success. Tendencies can be recognised, but nothing more. The Saints have lost five of their last seven competitive games, but at least they qualified for the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup, where Manchester City will be waiting next week.

No team has fewer home points than Southampton, with nine defeats at home in the 2022 calendar year. These records do not speak well for the Saints, who have also never won a home game against Nottingham in the Premier League. But: There have also only been five games.

At least it is encouraging that one of the more harmless opponents is now travelling to Southampton. Something should be possible against Nottingham, if only because of the individual comparison. Therefore, before the match Southampton vs. Nottingham, our prediction is also that the hosts will not lose and that more than 1.5 goals will be scored in this match.

Predicted line-up of Southampton:
Bazunu – Caleta-Car, Salisu, Bella-Kotchap – Maitland-Niles, Ward-Prowse, Diallo, Walker-Peters – Aribo, A. Armstrong, Adams

Last matches played by Southampton:

Premier League
31/12/2022 – Fulham 2 – 1 Southampton

26/12/2022 – Southampton 1 – 3 Brighton

Carabao Cup
21/12/2022 – Southampton 2 – 1 Lincoln City

Premier League
12/11/2022 – Liverpool FC 3 – 1 Southampton

Carabao Cup
10/11/2022 – Southampton (6)1 – 1(5) Sheffield Wednesday

Nottingham – Statistics & current form

It was clear from the start that Nottingham Forest’s primary concern this season would be to stay in the league. The rejuvenated team needed time to find its feet. That has happened to some extent in the meantime, and the performances are not bad at all. On Sunday, for example, they drew 1-1 with Chelsea, which gave them a boost. Nottingham played well and were rewarded for their efforts.

After the expected goals, the visitors are a team that underperforms a bit anyway. That means more points would have been possible. 14 points from 17 games is not too good a record, but the current situation is not catastrophic either. Nottingham also has problems with the offensive, here the best scorer (Awoniyi) has three goals on his account.

The guests have also already announced that it is possible that something will happen on the winter transfer market. However, with only one defeat from the last six competitive games, at least a basis has been created that is decent. Nevertheless, Nottingham have been in a relegation spot since matchday six.

Nottingham: Something must be done away from home

Nottingham’s away record in particular raises questions this season. Eight games, 22 goals conceded. That alone causes major problems. However, they haven’t won a single game away from home yet either, and their attack isn’t playing a big role either. Something must be done about the away record, otherwise it could be decisive for relegation. 0.25 points on average per away game are not a recommendation in any case.

Nottingham now have a phase ahead of them that is very important. Southampton, Leicester, Bournemouth, Leeds and Fulham are the next opponents. While the promoted teams are not always favourites there, these are the teams you can beat. And they have to be beaten.

But the last few performances are encouraging. Something is happening at Forest. That’s why, ahead of the Southampton vs Nottingham game, our value tip is also that both teams will score, which also has to do with the defensive vulnerability of the hosts.

Predicted line-up of Nottingham:
Henderson – Aurier, Worrall, Boly, Lodi – Freuler, Mangala, Colback – Johnson, Gibbs-White, Awoniyi

Last matches played by Nottingham:

Premier League
01/01/2023 – Nottingham Forest 1 – 1 Chelsea FC

28/12/2022 – Manchester United 3 – 0 Nottingham Forest

Carabao Cup
22/12/2022 – Blackburn 1 – 4 Nottingham Forest

Club friendlies
17/12/2022 – Valencia 1 – 2 Nottingham Forest

10/12/2022 – Olympiakos Piraeus 1 – 0 Nottingham Forest

Southampton – Nottingham Direct comparison / H2H record

Both have faced each other 115 times, last in the Premier League in 1999. With 49 wins in the direct comparison, Nottingham are ahead, Southampton come in on 39 wins but are now looking to close the gap. Nottingham have also scored more goals, ten in total for 181 goals.

Southampton – Nottingham Tip

Both teams are currently stuck in the bottom of the table, but both have at least shown some positives in recent games. Many elements are common to these teams, so the defense is vulnerable, the offense is especially in need of improvement in terms of efficiency.

In the end, Nottingham’s away weakness ensures that before the Southampton vs. Nottingham match, our tip is that the hosts will not lose and will score more than 1.5 goals in total.