Southampton vs Plymouth Argyle Prediction: Saints trying for automatic promotion spots

Southampton will welcome Plymouth Argyle at St. Mary's Stadium in Game Week 25 of the English Championship. With the top two dropping points Saints will need to accelerate for automatic promotion spots. Who will come out on top after 90 minutes?

Southampton should be commended for their impressive 16-match unbeaten run in the Championship since September. They have shown their quality by scoring nine goals in their last two home games against Blackburn Rovers and Swansea City. Southampton's strong performance in the league has allowed them to accumulate points in various ways. In their most recent match against Swansea, they scored three goals in the final 16 minutes, overshadowing Swansea's competitiveness earlier in the contest. Southampton's defense has also been impressive, keeping four consecutive clean sheets at St Mary's. Ipswich's recent struggles and Southampton's draw against league leaders Leicester City on Boxing Day have put Southampton within five points of automatic promotion, although they still trail Leicester by 11 points. Despite their success, Southampton remains focused on each game individually, maintaining the same level of performance as Leicester throughout the season. 

Although Southampton convincingly defeated Swansea in their previous game, it is anticipated that Martin will make several changes to his lineup to keep his team fresh. Players like Kyle Walker-Peters and Joe Aribo, who have played the full 90 minutes in the last two matches, may be replaced by Will Smallbone and Ryan Fraser. Unless there are alterations in the defense, the rest of the team is likely to remain the same, except for James Bree, who is unavailable due to injury.

Bazunu; Stephens, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Manning; Smallbone, Downes, S.Armstrong; Fraser, Edozie; A.Armstrong

Plymouth, on the other hand, is dealing with uncertainty as they work under caretaker management. However, they have been gradually moving away from the relegation zone with a four-game unbeaten streak. Their most recent matches against Birmingham City and Cardiff City resulted in comeback draws. This run has helped Plymouth earn six points towards their assumed target of 50 points, which would likely secure safety. Despite their recent success, Plymouth is only eight points away from the playoff places. Facing Southampton on the road poses a challenge for Plymouth, as they have yet to win an away fixture in the Championship this season.

As for Plymouth's interim management, they must decide whether to stick with the back three formation used in the away game against Cardiff. Nevertheless, squad rotation is expected, and players like Brendan Galloway, Luke Cundle, Bali Mumba, and Finn Azaz may return to the starting lineup. 

Hazard; Pleguezuelo, Galloway, Gibson; Kesler-Hayden, Cundle, Butcher, Mumba; Whittaker, Waine, Azaz.

Although Plymouth has gained some points in their recent matches, there is less pressure on them. However, Southampton appears to be in unbeatable form, and while the visitors may put up a fight initially, the home team should ultimately secure a comfortable victory.