Southampton vs Norwich Prediction: Saints to maintain play-off charge

Southampton will look to keep the pressure on the teams in the top six in the Championship on Wednesday when they host Norwich at St Mary's (19:45 KO).

The Saints are just on the cusp of the playoffs with two months remaining of the Championship campaign, with Tonda Eckert's side just three points behind sixth-placed Wrexham. Southampton have a game in hand over Millwall and Hull City, who occupy the fourth and fifth spots, but they will have to be at their best to beat Norwich, who have moved clear of relegation since the arrival of Philippe Clement. Read on for my Southampton vs Norwich predictions.

Team News

Eckert has been given two timely injury boosts, with Ross Stewart and Leo Scienza both back in training. Jay Robinson has also returned to full training, while Wellington is set to follow suit this week.

Midfielder Mads Roserslev remains sidelined, but Eckert has no other major concerns heading into Wednesday's encounter.

Clement has revealed that Ben Chrisene's hamstring injury is not long-term, but he is expected to miss the midweek clash. Ruairi McConville will be assessed, having missed the last two games with a knee injury. Goalkeeper Daniel Grimshaw is still sidelined and will play no part in Wednesday's encounter.

Southampton vs Norwich Odds

Southampton are the slight favourites at 10/11, with the draw 11/4, while Norwich are 5/2 to collect all three points on the road.

Over 2.5 goals is available at 8/11, while both teams to score is also an odds-on shot at 4/6. Cameron Archer and Stewart are both 6/4 to find the net anytime, while Finn Azaz offers slightly more value at 7/4.

Southampton to win @ 10/11

The Saints have used St Mary's as a fortress this season and even though they have only just hit their stride, they have still only lost three of their 17  home games.

Eckert's side have been stubborn and tough to beat in front of their own supporters and they look to have the momentum they need to make a serious push for a playoff spot.

The hosts are unbeaten in 12 games in all competitions and should be able to keep Norwich at bay. Clement's men have the ninth-best away record in the second tier, but they have lost six of their 18 away games.

While they have won five of their last six away from home in the league, Norwich have played Leicester City, Oxford United, West Brom, Wrexham and QPR in that time. Three of those teams are involved in a relegation scrap and Saints should be able to use home advantage to get over the line.

Both teams to score @ 8/13

While Norwich should fall short, expect them to go down swinging this week. The Canaries have scored in 11 of their last 12 away games in the Championship, while Southampton have seen both teams find the back of the net in their last three league matches.

Both teams have scored in the last three league meetings between the two clubs and that trend should continue this week.

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