Southampton vs Rotherham United Prediction: The hosts are looking for third victory on a trot

Southampton will welcome Rotherham United at St Mary's Stadium in Game Week 11 of the English Championship. The hosts are looking for third victory on a trot. Who will come out on top after 90 minutes?

Southampton's start to their first season in the second-tier since 2011-12 has been a blend of success and disappointment. After winning three matches and drawing one in their first four games, they suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat against Sunderland before the international break. This defeat marked the beginning of a four-game losing streak for the team. They were beaten 4-1 at home by Leicester City and also suffered defeats against Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough. Currently, they have only managed to accumulate 10 points from eight games. However, the team seems to have rediscovered its form recently with back-to-back victories. They ended their slump with a convincing 3-1 win against Leeds United, followed by a crucial away win against Stoke City with a lone goal from Stuart Armstrong. These victories have propelled them back to 10th place and have given them 16 points. Southampton understands that they can move up in the rankings by continuing their positive momentum in the next few weeks. They will strive to secure another victory on Saturday to further enhance their position.

Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Bednarek, Harwood-Bellis, Manning; S Armstrong, Smallbone, Downes; A Armstrong, Adams, Sulemana

Rotherham United is facing a crucial match against an opponent for whom victory is also important. Under the management of Matt Taylor, Rotherham has struggled in the early part of the season and is determined to avoid relegation to League One. In their ten Championship games so far, they have only obtained five points and suffered seven defeats. They have conceded the highest number of goals in the league, 21, while only scoring nine themselves.

Their only win so far came against Norwich City before the international break. However, they have struggled to build on that success, only managing to earn one more point in the last five matches. They faced defeats against Huddersfield Town and Millwall, followed by a draw against Preston North End, who were leading the division at the time. Rotherham then lost to Cardiff City and were narrowly defeated by Bristol City, with the visitors scoring a late winner.

As the pressure increases and they sit in 23rd place, three points behind Queens Park Rangers and four points away from safety, Rotherham is determined to secure their second win of the campaign. This is crucial for them to keep up with the competition in the early stages of the Championship survival battle.

Johansson; Lembikisa, Peltier, Hall, Bramall; Rathbone, Tiehi, Cafu; Green, Hugill, Onyedinma

Rotherham United has not managed to secure any points in their five away matches in the Championship this season. Furthermore, facing Southampton at a time when the Saints are picking up momentum, it is highly likely that Rotherham United will suffer a significant loss on the South Coast. The home team possesses superior quality in all areas of the pitch.