This should be an exciting Friday night clash between two progressive managers and I’m expecting a wide-open game. Added to that, both defences are leaky and mistake-prone so we should hopefully get plenty of goals, making this at the very least, watchable.
As is typical of the new generation of German manager, Southampton will press extremely aggressively and it will be intriguing to watch how often Bournemouth try to pass their way through the press via their goalkeeper. Regardless, I would expect Bournemouth to be very dangerous on the counter-attack with Callum Wilson showing lately that he’s one of the best players outside of the top six.
Here are three bets I’ve eyed up for a bit of value, which if you feel like mashing together, give us a nice 19/1 return.
Both Teams To Score & Over 2.5 Goals at 10/11
Clean sheets are not something Ralph Hassenhuttl has figured out how to achieve as of yet as the Saints manager. In fact, both teams have scored in all of Southampton’s 14 home games so far and I’m pretty bullish on this game to be no different given Bournemouth’s penchant for being involved in high-scoring matches.
Callum Wilson to score anytime at 21/10
I’d expect Wilson to get plenty of chances to find the back of net here with none of the Southampton back three of Bednarek, Yoshida and Vestergaard inspiring confidence. It’s a big season for the England international who could yet force his way into Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad and I can see him finishing the season with 15+ league goals provided he stays fit. His brace against Everton is just the kickstart he needed. The net will bulge folks.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to be booked at 16/5
I rate Hojbjerg as probably Southampton’s best player and wouldn’t be surprised if he moved to one of the big six Premier League clubs within the next 18 months. He’s decent in possession but possesses rare power and acceleration. However, he can be pretty rash in the tackle and this looks a backable price for a player who picked up eight yellows and two red cards last season.
A Same Game Multi on these three bets pays 19/1
- Both Teams To Score & Over 2.5 Goals at 10/11
- Callum Wilson to score anytime at 21/10
- Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to be booked at 16/5
