Fans can provide final promotion push, says Adkins

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins has told his side’s fans they will have a big part to play against Coventry today. Victory will guarantee the Saints Premier League football next season.

The race to claim the second automatic promotion spot behind Reading goes to the final day of the npower Championship regular season with Southampton and West Ham the two teams in contention. Saints hold the upper hand as they face already-relegated Coventry at St Mary’s with a two-point lead over third-placed West Ham, who are at home to Hull. The south coast side also have a superior goal difference of plus-three over the Hammers.

“We know we’ve got to win and the supporters have an important role. Their positivity will drive the players on to get the three points,” said Adkins.

If Southampton do slip up then West Ham, who kept their hopes alive with a 2-1 comeback win at Leicester on Monday night, will be determined to take advantage.

In the race for the play-offs, Blackpool are assured of a berth ahead of their trip to Millwall, while Birmingham are all but guaranteed to finish in the top six as they are three points ahead of seventh-placed Middlesbrough with a far superior goal difference.

Birmingham are at home to champions Reading while Middlesbrough go to Watford. The other side in contention are Cardiff, who currently occupy sixth spot and are two points ahead of Boro going into their trip to Crystal Palace.