Sky Sports pundit acknowledges Southampton's resilience before relegation derby | OneFootball

Pundit Paul Merson has made his predictions ahead of the Southampton Vs Ipswich matchday. Though he believes in a win for Ipswich, Merson agrees that the Saints can pressure the hosts.

From being Championship rivals previously to being Premier League contestants, Southampton and Ipswich have been opponents for some time now.

Surprisingly, further, both of them find themselves battling for relegation, in turn fueling the upcoming matchday clash.

Still, their fortunes have been quite contrasting. While it's the best campaign for Ipswich in decades, Southampton, sadly, is on course for the worst points season ever.

As of now, Ipswich is adrift of the Saints by 10 points but who knows a Southampton win could turn the scenario around.

Unfortunately, this isn't what Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson predicts. The former Arsenal legend believes in a close victory for Ipswich at the Portman Road.

Nevertheless, unlike his rigid past judgment of the Saints, Merson has forecasted a bit of positivity for Saints fans.

Sky Sports pundit acknowledges Southampton's resilience before relegation derby

Writing in his Sportskeeda column, Merson described Southampton's situation, saying: "Southampton have nothing to lose and that makes them a dangerous animal."

Though all may not agree but Merson has been spot on Southampton's current situation.

Having not added anything to their points tally for a long time, the Saints would arrive at Ipswich hungry for points. Further, with Dibling, Sulemana, and Ramsdale's return for Southampton, it wouldn't be an easy one for Ipswich at all.

Certainly, for both Ipswich and Southampton, it would be a weighty fixture. But while one battles for relegation, it would be a repute-saving for the other.

Clearly, Southampton's straightaway six defeats haven't gone unnoticed. Not only has it pushed the side to relegation, but it has endangered boss Ivan Juric's role as well.

In case, things go as Merson predicted, a chant for a change of managers could be the new thing around St. Mary's.

Obviously, there's much more at stake than the 3 points here. Hoping that we get to hear some serious positives from manager Juric post-match.