Southampton’s Premier League return has been rough, but a win at Bournemouth tonight could lift them out of the relegation zone, thanks to this weekend’s results.
Southampton had a mixed weekend in terms of results from their relegation rivals. Only Everton managed a win, beating Crystal Palace, who dropped into the bottom three. Wolves stayed at the bottom after losing to Liverpool, and Leicester narrowly lost 3-2 to Arsenal after a late goal.
West Ham earned a point against Brentford, making it impossible for Southampton to catch them tonight. Bournemouth, meanwhile, are just above them and feeling the pressure ahead of the game. Teams like Manchester United and Brentford, sitting on seven points, could find themselves dragged into the relegation battle if they’re not careful.
A win for Southampton tonight at Bournemouth would lift them out of the bottom three. They could leap above Crystal Palace, Leicester, and Everton, and with a three-goal win, even Ipswich Town. This would make the table look much more favorable for the Saints.
Securing victory tonight could be a pivotal moment in the season, tightening the bottom of the table and putting pressure on teams as high as Brentford and Manchester United. However, a draw would still leave Southampton in 19th, and a loss could spell the end for manager Russell Martin.