Nottingham Forest have been backed to beat Southampton when the two sides meet at the City Ground on Monday by pundits Chris Sutton and Paul Merson.
Both teams are involved in a relegation dogfight as they battle for their Premier League future. Forest remain in the bottom three on goal difference whilst the Saints are six points from safety.
Steve Cooper's team will be desperate to pull clear of the visitors as they look to extend their time in the top-flight having earned promotion last season. Both sides have struggled for wins in recent months having won just two games between them since the beginning of March.
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But both Sutton and Merson have backed the Reds to claim all three points on Monday night. "As I've said before, I've given up on Southampton," Sutton told BBC Sport, as he backs Forest to win 2-1.
"After watching what was such a gutless performance from them against Bournemouth last week, I am backing them to lose every game they have left this season. I know Saints fans love their club but, deep down, I think they will probably agree with me.
"As for Nottingham Forest? Well, I think my boyhood club are going to stay up. They have got some tough games coming up but they are still scrapping.
"This is one they will expect to win, and it could be the moment they kick on. Southampton, though, have already gone - they are going to be relegated. Anyone who says anything different is wrong, I'm afraid."
And Merson agrees that Forest will win the relegation six-pointer by the same scoreline as Sutton has predicted. "This is an absolute cup final if there ever was one," he told Sportskeeda. "If Nottingham Forest don't win, turn the lights out for them.
"On the other hand, if they somehow manage to get three points, it might be enough for them. Leeds United are also in the thick of the relegation battle and I can't see them winning a game of football between now and the end of the season, so this is a game and a half for Forest.
"This is one of the biggest games in Forest's history since their European Cup final in 1980 as they fought tooth and nail to return to the Premier League after a ridiculous amount of time away from the top flight. I watch Southampton every week and while they play good football and create chances, they never seem to make it count."
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