Many Southampton fans may have been pleased that Premier League leader Arsenal only picked up one point in their Friday match. However, Saints boss Ruben Selles lamented the 3-3 draw, feeling that they “lost two points,” given that they led 2-0 and 3-1 in that game. Now their winless streak stands at seven games with a gaping gap to the safety zone. The bottom club needs a winning streak, and fast. After 32 rounds, the hosts have six wins and draws each, corresponding to 24 points and the 20th position in the standings. Llivramento, Bednarek, Adams, Salisu, and Larios, who has a muscular injury, will not be able to play today.
The run of three wins in their last five games for Bournemouth means they cannot end this round in the bottom three, although the 0-4 defeat to West Ham in the previous round suggests there is still work to do. Boss Gary O’Neil was fairly relaxed in his assessment that his team “didn’t deal with” their opponents, but they remain in a good position going into this clash. Improvements away from home have boosted the Cherries’ survival hopes with consecutive league wins on the road before this round, equalling the number of away successes they had in their first 14 trips. After 32 matches, the visitors have recorded nine wins and six draws, which gives them 33 points and 15th place in the table. In the team’s infirmary today are Traore, Stevens, Stanislas, and Fredericks, who has a leg injury.
