Who to bet in Premier League matchup

Southampton will need a bit of a miracle to avoid relegation this season.

The Saints are currently propping up the Premier League table with 24 points from 34 matches and will essentially need to win each of their last four contests to have a chance of surviving the drop.

A loss at Nottingham Forest — who also find themselves in a relegation spot entering this encounter — on Monday afternoon would seal Southampton’s fate.

As poor as Southampton have been this season, it’s not been much better for Forest.

Nottingham Forest vs. Southampton prediction

(3 p.m. ET., USA Network)

Saints don’t create much offensively, but they should be on the front foot in this encounter as nothing short of a victory will do in this spot.

And they should feel pretty confident that an aggressive approach will pay off against a defense that ranks 18th in goals allowed, 17th in expected goals (xG) conceded and 14th in big scoring chances against.

Southampton’s defensive numbers are just marginally better, but Nottingham Forest’s attack isn’t one that will punish you regularly.

These are two bad defenses going up against two poor attacks.

At these prices, the bookies are suggesting that Forest is a stronger team than Southampton, but that could just be a case of extenuating circumstances seeping into the market.

While Southampton is almost certain to be relegated, Forest has everything left to play for on Monday.

That kind of sentiment will often cause a team’s price to get inflated, which seems to be happening in this situation.

Nottingham Forest vs. Southampton pick

Southampton +240 (BetMGM)