FORMER boss Harry Redknapp believes Southampton's dip in form will cost them automatic promotion back to the Premier League.

The 77 year old has predicted that Saints will end up third come the end of the season, missing out on the top two spots to Leicester City and Leeds United.

Russell Martin's side are currently fourth in the Championship, eight points behind second-placed Ipswich, but they have a game in hand following the postponement of Wednesday's game against Preston.

READ MORE: Where does fire postponement leave Southampton's promotion run-in?

Speaking to sports betting site Bet Victor, Redknapp said: “Russell Martin has done a great job at Southampton this season since he came in last summer. 

“He’s got them playing some good football and they play really well. They’ve got a good squad there, a fantastic group of players, but I just think they’ll end up finishing third in the Championship this season unfortunately.

“I thought Southampton would have pipped their rivals to second spot in the Championship up until their recent results.

"Losing those two games at home a few weeks ago to Hull City and Millwall were absolute shocks in all honesty. No disrespect to Millwall but up until recently they couldn’t win a game.

"They change their manager, Neil Harris comes in, and in his first game they go to Southampton and win – and a few days before that Southampton get beaten by Hull at home too.

“When you look at those games, really there’s six points there that Southampton have missed out on which could prove costly. Ipswich have had a miracle, they’ve done fantastic."

He continued: "They’re a great club and the manager Kieran McKenna has done amazing, but I do still think they’ll just miss out alongside Southampton. I think Leeds will go up with Leicester automatically.

“For Leeds, the atmosphere at Elland Road and the passion from their supporters is incredible. You saw them recently when they beat Leicester, that crowd are worth a goal headstart to any team.

"Leeds got murdered in that game by Leicester, but the crowd lifted them. Leicester completely outplayed them and could have been three up. 

"But Leeds kept going as that crowd demanded it and they ended up nicking the game. An amazing result. So I do think Leeds will go up this year with Leicester, ahead of Southampton.”