Premier League preview and odds: Southampton vs Sunderland

Premier League preview and odds: Southampton vs Sunderland

August 27 , 2016 15:00pm - St. Mary`s Stadium

Premier League

After drawing at home to Watford on the opening day and losing away to Manchester United the following week, Southampton will now go in search of their first three-point haul of the season when they welcome winless Sunderland to St. Mary`s on Saturday.

Poor starters go head-to-head

Two teams with new bosses at the helm will look to kick start their seasons with a win this weekend. Hosts Southampton may not have had the best start to the season but they have at least registered a point after drawing their opening game against Watford. They will certainly fancy their chances this weekend when they welcome last season`s relegation survivors Sunderland to the South Coast.

The Saints failed to get a foothold in their second match away to Manchester United but were by no means outplayed in that game. They showed glimpses on their quality and were perhaps unlucky not have registered at least one goal.

David Moyes has had a tough start to his career as Sunderland boss, having already been beaten by Manchester city away and new boys Middlesbrough at home, both by 2-1 score lines. A third defeat could pile some unwanted early pressure onto the shoulders of the former Manchester United boss.

Sunderland remained fairly competitive in both of those games but they never looked like winning. They will need to show more hunger for victory if they are to avoid another relegation fight this season. As things stand, they look like prime candidates for the drop.

Team news

Claude Puel will have to make do without the services of Oriol Romeu and Florin Gardos, who are both still injured.

Meanwhile, the visitors also have injury concerns with John O`Shea, Lamine Kone, Sebastian Larsson, Jan Kirchhoff and Lee Cattermole all still in recovery.

Recent form (League)

Southampton: LDWDW

Sunderland: LLDDW

Betting odds and tips

Both teams have stumbled out of the blocks this term but it is the Saints who have looked the more likely to find their feet.

You can back the home win at 8/13 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Go To bet365

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25/08/2016     © Frixo 2025