This weekend, Southampton are looking for their second victory of the season when they host Brentford at St. Mary’s Stadium. With the Bees yet to pick up an away win this season, the Saints believe they can use this opportunity to achieve their coveted triumph.
Heading into Matchday 20 of the Premier League, the stakes have never been higher. Southampton currently find themselves bottom of the table, with just six points on the clock after 19 games. Their only victory came on November 2 against Everton, a narrow 1-0 victory that seemed like an eternity ago.
Brentford, positioned in 12th place with 24 points, may seem comfortable on the surface. However, their away record raises serious questions, with just two points accumulated from nine games. This puts them in a precarious position, creating a perfect storm for Southampton, who will hope to take advantage.
Under new coach Ivan Juric, who took over from Russell Martin after a disappointing 5-0 defeat to Tottenham, the Saints showed signs of defensive solidity. The Juric era saw an improvement in performances, with the team conceding just three goals in their last three games. Their journey began with a resilient 0-0 draw against Fulham, but a 1-0 defeat to West Ham and a narrow 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace last Sunday left the Saints searching for that vital victory.
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Although the results did not reflect it, Southampton’s visible improvements have not escaped observers. They remain ten points from safety, and the odds place them firmly as favorites for relegation at 1/4.
As for Brentford, despite being seven points above the relegation zone, they are in a disappointing spiral. Their last victory came in a 4-2 home triumph over Newcastle on December 7, followed by a series of poor performances, including a 2-1 defeat at Chelsea and a 3-1 loss to Newcastle. They managed to hold Brighton to a 0-0 draw, but quickly fell back into trouble, losing to Arsenal 3-1 on New Year’s Day.
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With the worst home record pitted against the second-worst away record, this match is truly a clash of the Titans — if the Titans were struggling teams fighting to avoid relegation. Southampton have picked up just four points from nine home games, while Brentford’s dismal away form has seen them pick up just two points.
The prediction markets suggest that all three outcomes are plausible, but a draw seems to be the most likely outcome given both teams’ current situations. Both clubs desperately need momentum, but neutralizing each other could be the ultimate outcome.
For those looking to bet, a draw with both teams scoring could be an attractive option with odds of 3/1 at Paddy Power.
One player to watch out for on the Brentford side is Bryan Mbeumo, who has established himself as a key player this season with 11 goals and two assists. Although he struggles to find the net away from home, Mbeumo’s ability to score makes him a valuable asset for the Bees. Consider supporting Mbeumo to score or assist at 13/10 with Casumo.
Meanwhile, Southampton’s rising young talent Tyler Dibling is one to watch. The 18-year-old has scored twice this season and found the net in the recent match against Crystal Palace. With the expectation that he will start against Brentford, why not take the risk and bet on Dibling to make two or more shots against the Bees at odds of 8/11 at BetMGM?
As the teams prepare for battle, anticipation builds. Although the odds are stacked against both clubs when it comes to current form, one thing is certain: the match promises to bring its fair share of drama and excitement as they each strive to pick up vital points in their quest survival.
