Southampton vs Chelsea
A Premier League clash on the south coast just before yet another international break is upon us.
Recent Premier League news and results tell us Chelsea are starting to find their feet after a tough start under Frank Lampard.
But any SBOBET followers will also know Southampton often lift their games when the established big six are in town and are more than capable of doing so again.
Talking Points
After suffering back-to-back defeats against near neighbours Bournemouth and Tottenham last weekend, Southampton are looking to get back on course when they welcome the west Londoners to the St. Mary’s Stadium.
While they went down to 10-man Spurs though, their performance in the defeat to Harry Kane and company was anything but poor and a repeat showing may ensure they gain something from this contest.
Coach Ralph Hasenhuttl has already outlined his frustration at his team’s inability to find the net regularly as Southampton have edged out a number of opponents so far this season without necessarily getting results.
Yes, the Saints have been boosted by a recent glut of goals from Danny Ings but Che Adams is yet to find the net since signing in the summer.
Goals have certainly not been a problem for Chelsea – at either end of the park.
Whilst only the top two, Liverpool and champions Man City, have scored more goals than Chelsea’s 14 in the league this season, only newly promoted Norwich and basement battlers Watford have conceded more than the 13 they have let in.
They have yet to keep a clean sheet away from home in the Premier League or Champions League, conceding nine goals in four games.
Their midweek win in Lille though will have boosted confidence and was another example of why the side’s youngsters seem to be starting to come of age.
Tammy Abraham, who netted the opener in Lille, leads the club’s scoring charts with seven to his name so far and has been rewarded with an England call-up, as well as fellow Young Lions graduates Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori.
The sense of young players being given their opportunity at the club has further increased with Callum Hudson-Odoi signing a five-year deal.
The Blues are seventh in the table and their wild early results are beginning to settle into a rhythm of confident, solid wins.
All in all, both these sides are works in progress but that should only add to what should be an enjoyable spectacle on a Sunday afternoon.
History
Southampton have lost seven of their last eight meetings with Chelsea in all competitions, yet their most recent clash was the game where they avoided defeat – a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge at the start of the year.
This match last season, however, resulted in a one-sided victory for Chelsea, inspired by Eden Hazard.
He netted the opener before goals from Ross Barkley and Alvaro Morata sealed a 3-0 success.
Southampton’s last victory against Chelsea was four years ago this weekend when William fired the defending champions in front before goals from Steven Davis, Sadio Mane and Graziano Pelle secured a shock 3-1 win for the Saints.
The last time they beat them at home was on Easter Saturday 2013 – over six years ago – when Jay Rodriguez and Rickie Lambert found the net in a 2-1 victory on the south coast.
John Terry replied for Chelsea.
Overall Southampton have beaten the West Londoners on 30 occasions with 29 draws and 45 Chelsea successes – 14 of which have come in the era since billionaire Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003.
Southampton have only beaten Chelsea at home twice since the millennium.
Betting Tip
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Southampton vs Chelsea | Double Chance Southampton or Draw @ 1.86 |
| October 6, 21:00 (GMT+8) |
The Premier League betting odds make Chelsea firm favourites.
You can back them 1X2 @ 1.87 or with Asian Handicap odds -0.50 @ 1.86 and -0.75 @ 2.13.
Likewise, a repeat of their 3-0 triumph on the south coast last season will payout on correct score odds @ 17.50.
A repeat of the goalless draw from the Stamford Bridge clash will also be lucrative for a winner with odds available @ 13.50.
The Saints, on the other hand, can be tipped 1X2 @ 3.85 – the draw is on offer @ 3.60 – or with Asian Handicap odds +0.50 @ 2.07 and +0.25 @ 2.36.
My prediction may surprise many of you, but I am expecting this to be a close contest and, with the home side being able to prepare all week for this contest, unlike their opponents, I do not think they will be beaten.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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