Former Premier League striker turned pundit Alan Shearer believes that Nottingham Forest’s clash against Southampton could be ‘huge’ in the fight to stay in the league at the end of the season, despite believing that Forest’s opponents are ‘already gone’.
The Reds go into the game at the City Ground in the relegation zone just on goal difference. They are on the same points as Leeds United and Leicester City, but now have a game in hand over the former after they fell to defeat against Manchester City on Saturday afternoon.
First half goals from Ilkay Gundogan gave City a 2-1 win over Leeds at the Etihad Stadium, much to the delight of Forest fans. That result means that any points against Southampton would see the Reds climb above Leeds.
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Speaking about the relegation race on Match of the Day on Saturday night, Gary Lineker predicted that the fight would go down to the wire.
“Leeds were the only team in that kind of relegation fight that played today (Saturday), and obviously they didn’t get any points, but it was always unlikely at Manchester City,” he said. “I mean, it’s going to be tight isn’t it? Any two from probably five.”
Shearer then picked out Forest’s game against Southampton as one that could be pivotal. The striker also made a prediction over the Saints and Leeds.
“That next home game, Nottingham Forest against Southampton, is huge,” he said. “I think Southampton are already gone, but I think it’s going to be tough for Leeds, particularly with the way they defend.”
Following the game against Southampton, Forest travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea the following Saturday. The Reds then host title-chasing Arsenal at the City Ground, before finishing their season with a trip to Selhurst Park when they take on Crystal Palace.
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