Two perennial Premier League mid-table sides meet at St Mary’s on Saturday evening as Mauricio Pellegrino’s men seek their first home league win since August against Tony Pulis’ plucky West Bromwich Albion. The Baggies sit in 10th place on 10 points with Southampton one point and one place behind them in 11th.
English Premier League – St Mary’s Stadium Cheltenham – Saturday 21st October 2017 – 17:30 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 5/2 at Ladbrokes |
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Southampton
West BromwichSouthampton
Mauricio Pellegrino has struggled to put a run together so far in his tenure at St Mary’s winning 2, drawing 3 and losing 2 of his first 8 games at the helm. Goals have been a problem – the Saints have managed only 7 in their 8 Premier League games so far and have lacked creativity in key areas. They drew 2-2 at home to Newcastle last time out but the return to fitness and form of Manolo Gabbiadini (scored both goals) will give the Saints fans huge cause for optimism.
West Bromwich Albion
West Brom had a fantastic start to the season – winning their opening 2 matches, but they have failed to win a match since. The Baggies have drawn 4 of their last 6 league games with their only defeats coming on the road at Brighton and Arsenal. Much like the Saints, goals have been the issue for Pulis’s men – they’ve also scored 7 goals in 8 games this term and they have Jay Rodriguez in their ranks who would love to score against his former employers.
Head to Head
Southampton edge the head to head record between the two sides 28:24 with a further 24 draws taking place between the two teams. Away wins were the order of the day last season – with West Brom winning 2-1 at St Mary’s thanks to goals from Hal Robson-Kanu and Matt Phillips and the Saints winning at the Hawthorns in April through a Jordy Clasie strike.
Odds and Predictions
As their league positions suggest, this should be very evenly matched encounter. Match to finish as a draw looks a good price at 5/2 with William Hill.
Manolo Gabbiadini scored twice last week against Newcastle and will be looking to keep his good run going.
Manolo Gabbiadini to score anytime looks great value at 15/8 with Paddy Power.
This could be quite a cagey affair with both teams struggling in front of goal so far this term.
Under 2.5 goals in the game pays a generous 4/7 with Coral.
West Brom are one of the most combative teams in the league and like to get physical with the opposition.
West Brom to pick up 2 or 3 cards looks a shrewd bet at 21/20 with William Hill.
Score Prediction
Southampton 1 – 1 West Brom – 13/2 with Bet 365.
Top Betting Tip
Southampton have struggled to put teams to bed this season and West Brom will make life very difficult for them.
The match to finish as a draw and both teams to score looks a strong bet at 9/2 with Bet 365.