David Prutton makes scoreline prediction for Southampton's clash against Millwall | OneFootball

David Prutton believes Southampton will bounce back to secure a victory against Millwall this afternoon.

The Saints come into this game having lost their last two league fixtures, suffering setbacks against Bristol City and Hull City.

Their defeat against the Tigers would have been particularly disappointing, not just because they were at home, but also because they were unable to recover quickly from their setback at Ashton Gate.

This has put pressure on them coming into this clash, with Leeds United strengthening their chances of winning automatic promotion with a home victory against Leicester City last night.

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This makes it imperative that Russell Martin's side win all three points, with this clash at St Mary's set to be a real test of character.

The Lions, meanwhile, are competing at the other end of the table and desperately need points on the board if they are to remain in the Championship beyond the end of this season.

Now they have Neil Harris in charge, today's visitors will be hoping to make a fresh start, but this upcoming assignment is a very difficult one.

However, this may be the best time to face the Saints following their back-to-back defeats, with Russell Martin's side previously going on an unbeaten run that lasted months.

Prutton predicts: Southampton v Millwall

Even though this could be a good opportunity for the Lions to secure an impressive away win, Prutton is backing the Saints to respond to recent defeats.

He wrote in his Sky Sports column: "How quickly things can change in the Championship. Two defeats in the space of a week have left Southampton looking up at Leeds again in second. All the positivity of that record unbeaten run swept away.

"Millwall have pressed the panic button in sacking Joe Edwards and bringing back Neil Harris. They were falling like a stone down the table and are at real risk of relegation so you can understand why.

"But I think Southampton back bounce here."

Prutton predicted a 3-1 win for the home team.

Southampton should have the quality to win three points

The Saints should have enough attacking quality to take three points from the game.

Joe Aribo scored in his last game and could be a real asset because of that.

Samuel Edozie, meanwhile, has shown plenty of promise this season with Sekou Mara also performing well at times.

Che Adams and Adam Armstrong have been crucial this term, so they could be very useful this afternoon.

All of these players should be able to give the Lions' defence plenty of problems during the game - and that should help the hosts to guide themselves to victory.

Not only do they have a formidable attack, but they also have real quality in other areas.