Tuesday 8 May 2018 20:39, UK
Swansea will be under more pressure than Southampton as the two sides battle for Premier League survival, according to Tony Gale.
Currently only separated by goal difference, the 17th and 18th-placed pair meet in south Wales, live on Sky Sports on Tuesday evening.
Since Carlos Carvalhal was appointed by Swansea in December, the Welsh side have won more home games than any of the other relegation-threatened sides, and with both their remaining fixtures coming at the Liberty Stadium, many have them as favourites to avoid the drop.
However, seven games without a win have seen Swansea dragged back into the relegation battle, while a three-match unbeaten run under new manager Mark Hughes has given Southampton hope of what appeared to be an unlikely escape.
"It gives them a little bit of an edge," Gale said of Swansea's home form.
"But it might give them a little bit more pressure as well because everybody thought that they were safe because they'd had such a good run, Swansea.
"Everybody thought that Southampton were doomed, but now all of a sudden a couple of results later and the pressure is maybe a little more on Swansea, and can they react to that pressure at home with their crowd?"
Southampton's advantage of seven in the goal difference column means a win for the Hughes's side would all but secure their Premier League status for another season, while only a draw will see 19th-placed West Brom avoid the drop.
Swansea would likely be the happier with a draw, with contrasting final day fixtures favouring Carvalhal's side.
Both face teams whose fates are already sealed - Swansea host relegated Stoke, while Southampton welcome champions Manchester City.
