This could be a play-off for Premier League survival. Currently on 33 points, Southampton travel to Wales to play a Swansea side with the same tally. However, with Swansea having a much easier final day match-up, the onus is firmly on Southampton here.
Though aggrieved at Everton’s late equaliser in Southampton’s previous match, Saints manager Mark Hughes has seen a positive response from his players in their last three games. The five points collected from those games have been enough to push them above the relegation zone for the first time since March 10.
Nothing but a win will do here for the ‘Swans’, but to make that happen, Carlos Carvalhal needs to get the Swans’ attack working: zero goals from their last three games (and just two goals from their last eight) simply isn’t enough to merit another season in the PL.
Should Southampton win, their superior goal difference (currently seven goals better than Swansea) will all but ensure their survival in the top flight. Swansea will play with knives at their throats, but at least have the upper hand in the last ten games between the sides (W6, D2, L2).
Players to watch: Jordan Ayew has scored three in his last seven appearances for Swansea, and seven in total this season.
Dusan Tadic has four in nine for club and country and almost single handedly claimed the Saints’ last win (against Bournemouth, two rounds back).
Stat attack: Swansea have yet to turn a game around after trailing at half time at Liberty Stadium (W0, D1, L7), while Southampton have the exact same problem on the road in general (W0, D1, L7).
Swansea’s 27 goals from 36 matches this season (0.8 average) is the worst in the PL. Ultimately, a bore draw could be in store, as 23 of Swansea’s games this season have contained two goals or less, as have 20 of Southampton’s.
