Southampton vs Nottingham Forest Preview: Premier League back at St. Mary's

Both Southampton and Nottingham Forest are looking for their first one of the new campaign

 
2:55pm on Thursday 22nd August 2024
By
Martin Macdonald

Southampton and Nottingham Forest are looking for their first one of the season when they face each other at St. Mary's on Saturday.

The Saints played against 10 men of Newcastle for the majority of their league opener last week but somehow conspired to lose 1-0 despite having a lot of chances.

Forest, meanwhile, drew 1-1 at home against Bournemouth.

Match Preview

Southampton recent form

Southampton's pre-season was a mixed bag as although they defeated Montpellier, Oxford and Milwall, they drew against Lazio and Getafe.

They definitely should have got something out of the game against Newcastle but succumbed to a narrow 1-0 loss.

Southampton injury news

Gavin Bazunu remains out and probably wont play again until next year.

Kamaldeen Sulemana, Adam Lallana and Ross Stewart should make it but all three will have their fitness assessed closer to kick-off.

Saturday will probably come too soon for Juan Larios, who has been regaining full fitness with the reserves.

Last Southampton starting XI

Nottingham Forest recent form

Forest played six pre-season games ahead of the Premier League's return, getting three wins and three draws, which included wins against Chesterfield, Millwall and Olympiacos.

They should have beat Bournemouth as their keeper, Neto, was Man of the Match last week.

Nottingham Forest injury news

Danilo is the only definite absentee for Forest.

Nikola Milenkovic is in line for a debut after he missed the league opener due to suspension.

Last Nottingham Forest starting XI

Southampton vs Nottingham Forest - who is the referee and VAR?

Referee: Sam Barrott

Assistants: Tim Wood Simon Long

Fourth official: John Busby

VAR: Graham Scott

Assistant VAR: Adrian Holmes

Southampton - Player to Watch?

Adam Armstrong scored an impressive 24 goals in the Championship last season and also netted the key goal that earned them promotion in the playoff final against Leeds.

Nottingham Forest - Player to Watch?

Chris Wood scored Forest's only goal last week and again it appears like he'll be their biggest threat in the final third this campaign.

Southampton vs Nottingham Forest - Prediction

In four of Southampton's last six home games there has been over two goals scored. The Saints have scored in five and conceded in five of their last six home games, while Forest have scored in four and conceded in six of their last six away games.

Southampton 2-2 Nottingham Forest

For all of the analysis of the match as it happens live, check out our Preview and Live Update page for the game.

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