Monday night football will see a mid-table clash when the Southampton Saints host Brighton & Hove Albion this week. These teams both have four points and are sitting at the lower end of the table with a 1-1-2 record. However, Southampton have a slight edge on their opponents due to an even goal differential while Brighton is currently -2. A win would be huge for either team as these games can often be the difference between relegation and survival.
Don't miss the English Premier League action from St. Mary’s Stadium in Southampton at 3 p.m. ET on Monday, September 17, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on NBCSN.
English Premier League Betting at BookMaker.eu
Brighton & Hove Albion +267
Southampton +112
Draw +217
Over/Under 2 and 2.5
Odds Analysis
Interestingly enough, these sides met just a few weeks ago. The FA must have a sense of humor as Southampton and Brighton were drawn against each other in the Second Round of the Football League Cup. That game was in Brighton, but the Saints secured the 1-0 win thanks to a Charlie Austin goal in the 88th minute. Both teams interspersed starters with reserves though, so this match is likely to be more competitive.
Given the rise of Watford, Brighton have had arguably the toughest schedule through their first three games of any team in England. They lost their road tilts at Watford and Liverpool, but they secured a win for the little guys in their home opener when they knocked off Manchester United. Brighton’s Glenn Murray, Shane Duffy, and Pascal Groß each scored in the first half in what turned out to be a 3-2 win for the Seagulls. Murray was able to strike twice to salvage a point in their last match before the break too, a 2-2 draw with Fulham.
Southampton secured a draw in their first match of the season, playing Burnley to a 0-0 tie at home. The Saints suffered a loss on the road to Everton in their next match, but then lost out on a result in their next home tilt against Leicester City. It looked like they could pick up a point despite Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg picking up a second yellow card and getting sent off for simulation, but then Harry Maguire gave the Foxes the win.
The Saints finally got in the win column right before the break. Southampton knocked off Crystal Palace 2-0 on the road thanks to goals from Ings and Hojbjerg. Hojbjerg was able to play after getting his red card ban overturned, and he was happy to immediately contribute in a winning effort.
Key Injuries
Neither side has much to report on the injury front here. Brighton’s Jose Izquierdo is doubtful to play because of a lingering knee injury, while Bruno Saltor is listed as probable with a thigh issue.
As for Southampton, Shane Long is considered probable to play through an ankle injury, and Charlie Austin has recovered enough from a thigh injury to play.
Player to Watch
Glenn Murray is one of the oldest forwards in the Premier League. He has bounced around England for much of his career, playing in League One and Championship until finally breaking into the Premier League in 2013. Murray has made the most of his time in top flight football, establishing a reputation for scoring gritty goals. He has scored three of Brighton’s five goals this year, and he is the most likely player to net in this one.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Neither one of these teams is blessed with too much on offense, and both sides have been able to stay up due to solid defense. That makes the under and the draw the two best bets on Monday night. I expect at least one of the two to cash.
English Premier League Odds: Brighton & Hove Albion 1, Southampton 1
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