Yorkshireman Bree thinks Wednesday, who were officially relegated last Sunday following a defeat to rivals Sheffield United, can now play with more freedom.
Henrik Pedersen’s side have lost their last 12 games, and have not claimed victory since beating Portsmouth 2-0 on September 20.
Yet, they have managed to keep many games tight, and Bree expects no different when Saints, unbeaten in eight games, turn up in South Yorkshire this afternoon.
“Hillsborough is always a really tough place to go. As a fanbase, as a whole team and a football club, they’ve had a tough couple of years,” he told BBC Radio Solent.
James Bree scored in Southampton’s 5-0 win over QPR on Tuesday. (Image: Stuart Martin)
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“It can be tough going there. They know that they are down now, so they will play with a little bit more freedom, even though they know the writing is on the wall.
“It’s the Championship, no game is easy. We will go there, try to play our games, and try to get three points. It’s always nice to put the chances away.
“Our mentality is just to keep going, keep scoring. If you sit off and let teams play, they can hurt you. I can’t wait for the run-in.”
Bree’s return from Charlton has facilitated a switch to a back four, although loanee Elias Jelert started the 1-0 win over Sheffield United when Tonda Eckert made the switch.
Saints have not lost a game since changing things and have kept a clean sheet in four of their eight games, which has pleased defender Bree.
“When you are out on loan, you don’t focus too much on what is going on here. I wasn’t too privy to what was going on formation-wise,” he added.
James Bree has scored twice since returning to Saints. (Image: Adam Davy/PA)
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“The back four has been working. We’ve been really solid. All of the boys have stepped up. I feel like we are doing really well now.
“We will keep going and keep churning out results. There is a long way to go. We were all disappointed not to take three points against Charlton Athletic (1-1 draw).
“But we said ‘Go out on Tuesday night and get the three, and that point turns into three points.’ If you keep the averages high, you are in a really good place.
“We would love to win every game that we have left, but we know the Championship is tough and it’s unlikely to happen. We have to try not to lose and add to the points tally.”