Southampton vs Brentford prediction: ENGLAND: Premier League betting tips on match 2022-09-09 14:00.
Southampton registered a single shot on target against Wolverhampton Wanderers (L 1-0), leaving frustrated manager Ralph HasenhĂŒttl wondering what might have been. âThat we donât score today is normally not possible,â was his reaction to their Premier League (PL) inconsistency (W2, D1, L3), leaving them still to repeat the same result in consecutive league games this term.
Some of their deadline day signings, including Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who described the crowd at St Maryâs as âlike having an extra three players on the pitchâ, could make their home debuts for the Saints as they seek to build on their excellent 2-1 win over Chelsea here in late August. Although they havenât kept a home PL clean sheet since mid-April (W1, D1, L3), that did at least come against another London club (Arsenal).
Brentford donât appear to be struggling from âsecond-season syndromeâ, as can happen when a promoted side performs well in their first season but canât back that up the next. In fact, theyâre improving as just one PL loss this term (W2, D3) following a resounding 5-2 win over Leeds United, has them knocking on the door of the top six at this early stage of the season.
One key factor is the form of striker Ivan Toney, whose hat-trick against Leeds led to calls for him to earn England honours and if he can inspire them to a first league away win of the season (D2, L1), then those calls will increase. He could use some help from the defence though, as the Bees have conceded first in each of those fixtures â only Bournemouth share that 100% record!
Players to watch: All three of Adam Armstrongâs career PL strikes for Southampton came before half-time, while Toney netted after the break in two of Brentfordâs three league away games this term.
Hot streak: The side scoring first is undefeated in Brentfordâs PL fixtures this term.