Paul Merson reckons Brentford and Southampton can "play with no pressure" when they meet in the Premier League this afternoon (Saturday).
The former Arsenal and Aston Villa forward has given his verdict on the two sides as they prepare to meet at the Brentford Community Stadium in the Premier League, with the Bees currently ahead of Southampton by virtue of having the better goal difference.
Brentford are currently 14th in the division, with Saints in 15th, with both sides three points off the top half with three games left to play. And Merson reckons that will give them both a freedom going into the game, despite the two sides coming into the game off the back of defeats, against Manchester United and Crystal Palace respectively.
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In his weekly predictions feature for the SportsKeeda website, Merson has forecast a 2-1 win for the Bees, saying: "Brentford will be disappointed with the Manchester United game at Old Trafford as they failed to turn up and have a go. This time around, though, I think home advantage will be massive for them and I fancy them to get all three points. Both teams will go out there and play with no pressure whatsoever, so this could be an entertaining game."
His comments come despite both sides not yet being mathematically safe this season, with the two clubs level on 40 points from 35 games so far this term. Everton, who currently occupy 18th place, are eight points behind both clubs with five games to play, while Burnley and Leeds United, who are 16th and 17th respectively, are six points behind Brentford and Southampton with four games remaining.
Ralph Hasenhuttl stated at his pre-match press conference that a top half finish was still the goal for his Southampton side, although he has admitted that Saints and other clubs may need more than 40 points to ensure safety in the league this season, with Burnley, Leeds United, and Everton all picking up form in recent weeks as they look to avoid the drop.