Former Arsenal attacker Paul Merson has backed Southampton to pick up a huge three points at home to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

Mark Hughes' side picked up a welcome point at Leicester City last weekend, but remain inside the relegation zone - four points from the safety of 17th position.

The Saints have incredibly not won a home Premier League clash since beating Everton 4-1 at the end of November, and threw away a two-goal lead against Chelsea to lose 3-2 in their last league fixture at St Mary's.

However, pundit Merson has tipped the strugglers to claim all three points against their rivals this weekend.

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Merson told Sky Sports:

"Southampton played last week at Leicester on the strength that they had to beat Bournemouth. They played for a draw at the King Power knowing they would definitely beat Bournemouth to set up a cup final against Swansea.

"This is the be all and end all for Southampton. I'm backing them to win a must-win game, they will have more intensity than Bournemouth given what's at stake. If they lose they are relegated."

Four points currently separate 19th-placed Stoke City from 17th-placed Swansea City, although the Potters have played one game more than both Southampton and the Swans.

Southampton will host Bournemouth this weekend before facing Everton, Swansea and champions Manchester City in their final four matches of the 2017-18 Premier League campaign.