Former Chelsea ace makes Southampton 'improving' claim in prediction

FORMER Premier League striker Chris Sutton is predicting a comfortable Saints victory over Blackpool and insists the team have “definitely been improving recently”.

Nathan Jones’s side host the Seasiders in the FA Cup fourth round at St Mary’s on Saturday off the back of two consecutive home defeats.

Saints failed to score in 1-0 defeats versus both Aston Villa and Newcastle United in the Premier League and EFL Cup respectively, but Sutton tips a turnaround.

Mick McCarthy will take charge of Blackpool for the first time after being appointed manager with the club second-bottom of the Championship – but they did beat Premier League opposition in the last round.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Sutton said: "Blackpool upset Nottingham Forest in the third round but they are in a relegation battle in the Championship and are without a win in 10 league games.

"Their new manager Mick McCarthy will make them hard to beat, but it's difficult to see them getting past Southampton in his first game in charge.

"Saints might be bottom of the Premier League but their performances have definitely been improving recently,” he added.

“Of course, staying up is their priority, but Southampton boss Nathan Jones knows the importance of the cup after ending his losing streak by beating Crystal Palace in round three.

"I've been really impressed by James Ward-Prowse in his number 10 role, and Saints should win this comfortably. 4-0.”

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