Pundit says Southampton miss something that Ipswich Town have | OneFootball

Southampton face Middlesbrough this weekend in a 3pm kick-off at St. Mary's

Sam Parkin has claimed that Southampton lack game changers in their squad amid their poor run of form in the Championship.

The Saints have underwhelmed in the opening weeks of the new season, with Will Still’s side failing to win any of their last five fixtures.

An opening day victory against Wrexham, which required two late goals to seal a 2-1 result, remains their only win of the new term.

The Hampshire outfit are set to host league leaders Middlesbrough this weekend, where another defeat would really pile on the pressure on the new manager.

Still was appointed in the summer with the aim of guiding Southampton back to the Premier League, but they have so far earned just six points from six games.

Sam Parkin highlights key issue at Southampton

Parkin has highlighted game changers like Jaden Philogene at other high profile squads in the Championship to suggest that Southampton lack that same quality.

He has predicted Middlesbrough to win 2-1 at St. Mary’s on Saturday, as Rob Edwards’ side look to maintain their place at the top of the second division table.

“It’s hard to envisage it being anything other than a draw or away win, I can’t see really right now how Southampton are going to beat Middlesbrough with their individual quality,” said Parkin, via Benjamin Bloom on YouTube.

“But even then, when you look at Ipswich, for example, Philogene would be the obvious one, who is going to be the talismanic game changer for Southampton at the moment? I’m not sure they’re rolling off the tongue, despite obviously having a stocked squad.

“Sheffield United, you couldn’t say who is in form, but the other teams with the better squads in the division have got individuals that can turn games at the moment and win matches.

“I’m not seeing that with Southampton, and collectively the rhythm of the side is not there either.

“Yeah, 2-1 [to Middlesbrough].”

Middlesbrough will go into the clash with 16 points from 18, and could move 13 points clear of the Saints with a win.

Southampton’s poor start to the season

Following the victory over Wrexham, Southampton have drawn three and lost two, leaving them 19th in the table.

A 3-1 loss to Hull City last weekend added pressure to Still to turn things around quickly, with the team at risk of losing important ground in the promotion battle.

The Saints finished 20th in the Premier League last year, and are now hoping to earn a place back in the top flight this season.

The game against Middlesbrough will take place at St. Mary’s on Saturday in a 3pm kick-off.

Southampton need to bounce back against Middlesbrough

Still needs a positive result this weekend, and potentially even a win, if he is to keep the fans onside.

Boro have been strong so far, and they could be a nightmare opponent for the Saints given the timing.

However, Southampton should be capable of striking back with a good performance this weekend, and they should still feel confident they can earn a win.

Momentum absolutely isn’t on their side, but that doesn’t matter as they still have a lot of quality in their squad and they can be very dangerous if everything starts to click.