Mark Lawrenson reveals intriguing Sheffield United prediction ahead of Southampton clash

In his weekly predictions column for BBC Sport, pundit and broadcaster gave his scoreline tip for the game, and went with a 1-1 draw.

Explaining his choice, the ex-Republic of Ireland international contended: "Southampton s freefall continued with their defeat against Everton on Monday and they have now taken just one point from their past nine matches.

“This Saints slump needs to stop soon if they are going to stay up, because the 30 points they have so far will not be enough for survival.

“Saturday won't be easy for Ralph Hasenhuttl's side either, especially now key midfielder Oriol Romeu has been ruled out for the rest of the season. He is like Kalvin Phillips at Leeds - the heartbeat of their team.”

Lawro continued: “Sheffield United are in a much worse situation in the table, but they got a great win over Aston Villa on Wednesday and have clearly not given up hope yet.

“It will be close but I think Southampton will get something out of the game, and even a point would be something for them to build on.”

Meanwhile, Lawro's sparring partner for the week, musician and Liverpool fan Ben Howard, tipped a narrow 1-0 win for the Saints.

When the two sides last faced each-other, back in December, Southampton powered their way to 3-0 win at St Mary's, in a dispiriting afternoon for the Blades that saw them fail to land a single shot on target.