By David Lee Wheatley
Adkins faces former employers
The early match in the Premier League today throws up an intriguing clash between two clubs in relegation danger.
Nigel Adkins got sacked by Southampton in January and now he heads up a Reading side 7 points adrift of safety. The decision to sack Adkins was widely condemned, but his replacement Pochettino has continued the former manager's good work, taking the Saints to within probably two wins of safety.
Southampton travel to Reading on the back of a stunning victory at home to Chelsea last weekend and will see the clash at the Madejski Stadium as a huge opportunity to almost seal their Premier League status.
Reading on the other hand are still getting used to their new boss and don't have any time to waste. They lie 7 points away from Wigan and Aston Villa above them, while sharing the same amount of points as QPR at the bottom.
Adkins has a massive task on his hands to keep Reading up and will view today's game as a must-win. He'll look to the Royals' fans to help propel the team on to three points that would put the Berkshire club back in the hunt for a place above the drop zone.
However, Southampton striker Rickie Lambert, highest English goalscorer in the Premier League, is bang in form and the 31-year-old will give the home defence no end of problems.
I can see an exciting match materialising from two teams producing attacking football in a bid to end the match on top. I think Adkins' old side will have just a little too much for his new one and will sneak the victory.
If Reading fail to win, it'll look increasingly likely that they'll be playing Championship football again next season.
You can follow me on Twitter: @davewh1980
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