Mark Lawrenson feels Southampton lack pace in central defence, after he observed Ralph Hasenhuttl's men going down to a 3-1 defeat at home against Liverpool on Friday night.
The Saints were looking to spring a surprise on the title-chasing visitors and took the lead just nine minutes in through Shane Long.
Naby Keita drew Liverpool level in the 36th minute and the Reds hunted for a winner in the second half.
Eventually Jurgen Klopp's men found the opening thanks to a superb Mohamed Salah strike in the 80th minute, while Jordan Henderson put the game to bed four minutes from time.
Liverpool legend Lawrenson believes that Southampton have a genuine lack of pace defensively which was exposed due to a formation change from Hasenhuttl.
"They went from three to four and to be fair the two centre-backs can't run, which is a real issue", Lawrenson said after the match on LFC TV.
"But when they played in a three it was fine because they just sat in there and they made it easy.
"Once we started running at them they were running in treacle."
Despite Southampton losing, Lawrenson is convinced the Saints will stay up, but mainly due to Cardiff City filling the final relegation spot.
"I think they will stay up because I think Cardiff will go, but I think they will be a bit fortunate."
Liverpool are next in action in the Champions League against FC Porto, while Southampton's next clash comes next Saturday at home against Wolves.
