Claude Puel: Saturday is important for Southampton

Southampton manager Claude Puel stressed the importance of Saturday's game, which sees relegation-threatened Hull City make the long trip down to St. Mary's.

Hull without doubt have more to play for as their status as a Premier League club is threatened, but Puel has already stated the club want a top-eight finish with West Bromwich Albion presently standing in Saints' way.

Finishing below eighth position would see Southampton finish the Premier League season below that threshold for the first time since the club's return season in 2013.

“It’s an important game for us after two losses," Puel said as reported by the official site. “It’s important now to move forward and to take points.

“We know to finish in the top half of the table is important for us and for the fans. Hull City are a good team with good technical players and they play good football. They won their last game with 10 men against 11 which shows good spirit.

“It’s important in front of our own fans to have a good game and hopefully get a good result of course.”

Saints have four points to make up on West Brom with a game in hand. But the Hampshire club have lost two games on the bounce; 3-0 against Manchester City and 4-2 against Chelsea.