Ex-Leeds United midfielder and current EFL pundit David Prutton has predicted a victory for his former side at the St. Mary’s Stadium tomorrow to pile pressure on Southampton boss Russell Martin.
The Saints have now suffered four consecutive defeats in a row in the Championship, losing to Sunderland, Leicester City, Ipswich Town and most recently, Middlesbrough. The aggregate scoreline across those four games is 12-2 in favour of the opposition.
Martin’s teams have always been known for their exciting attacking flair but there have been question marks about his tactics in defence. Right now, Southampton are leaking goals left, right and centre and are struggling to score at the other end too.
According to EFL pundit David Prutton, the Saints’ woes won’t stop this weekend as he has predicted that it ‘could get messy’ yet again for the club on the South Coast in this weekend’s clash with Leeds.
Writing for Sky Sports, Prutton said:
“Russell Martin is under real pressure now. Four defeats on the bounce is unacceptable for Southampton in this league. Even if it is early days. They don’t seem to be learning their lessons in defence, either.
“Leeds will be keen to capitalise. Their front four in full flow is a joy to behold, and if there is an early goal it could get messy at St Mary’s. Away win.”
Prutton has also predicted that the scoreline will be 3-1 to the hosts who are unbeaten in six Championship outings, winning three and drawing three.
Despite a shaky start, recent results have placed the Peacocks in sixth but Daniel Farke’s men still remain eight points behind the automatic promotion spots, currently held down by Leicester and Ipswich.
Writer’s View
Pressure is certainly starting to pile on Martin so early into his tenure with Southampton. Another defeat at home tomorrow against a promotion rival could cause the board to call time on his tenure.
On the flip side, a victory would be a huge result for the Saints and could provide the players with the confidence they need to turn this dreadful form around.
