Andy Cole makes claim about Stoke and Southampton; predicts bottom three

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Stoke City, Southampton, Swansea City and Huddersfield Town are in the relegation mix.

Former Manchester United forward Andy Cole believes boss Mark Hughes will keep Southampton up and that Stoke City made a costly mistake in sacking him, the BBC reports.

Southampton recorded a huge boost in their survival hopes as they defeated Bournemouth 2-1 at home, while relegation rivals Swansea City and Huddersfield Town both lost at home.

Hughes has undoubtedly improved the Saints’ performances since taking charge of the south coast club but, up until now, results have gone against them as the fight for survival looks to go down to the wire.

With Stoke picking up another draw – albeit an excellent point away to Liverpool – the Potters are running out of games as they find themselves three points adrift (with an inferior goal difference) and just two matches remaining.

Commenting on the BBC, Andy Cole believes Hughes would have lifted Stoke to safety if they had not sacked him, while he backs the former United man to preserve Southampton’s top-flight status at Huddersfield’s expense.

“I’d say West Brom, Stoke and then Huddersfield because of their horrible fixtures. I’d be surprised if they got any points from Man City, Chelsea and Arsenal,” Cole said when asked to pick three teams to go down.

“I think Mark Hughes would have got Stoke out of it if he’d stayed there. He’s stabilised Southampton – I think they should have picked up more points. He just needs time. It’s clearly not worked for Stoke getting rid of him either.”

Despite Stoke’s terrible position and 12-game winless run, their final two matches of the season are winnable as Crystal Palace travel to the Bet365 Stadium next weekend before the Potters face Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium on the final day in what could be a relegation decider.

Swansea, who have improved under Carlos Carvalhal, also face Southampton at home before the season is over, so fans of all the clubs down there can expect plenty of twists and turns to come.

While Huddersfield are currently 16th, the Terriers have a horrible run-in consisting of Manchester City (A), Chelsea (A) and Arsenal (H) so their fate will probably depend on results elsewhere.