Southampton vs. Brentford: Preview and betting tips

Southampton face a crucial game on Wednesday in their fight to stay in the English elite. At home, they welcome Brentford, who have unexpectedly been tipped for the European cups. What can we expect from the last team in the table against the ninth?

Southampton have picked themselves up after the sacking of coach Nathan Jones, gaining seven points from the last four rounds, yet they are still last. However, in a balanced table, they are only two points behind 18th placed West Ham.

Brentford lost for the first time in 12 rounds, on the other hand, they have won only one of their last four games and their cup ambitions are shaken at the foundations. From ninth place, they are only one point behind the top seven, but have an extra round to play.

Southampton’s key figures

Saints rely on captain James Ward-Prowse, the England midfielder has scored eight times and assisted three times. New coach Ruben Selles has improved the defence, with stopper Armel Bella-Kotchap and right back Kyle Walker Peters back in form.

Brentford’s key players

At the tip of the Bees attack ranks killer Ivan Toney, the English marksman has netted 16 goals and assisted four times. Offensive partner and Cameroonian speedster Bryan Mbeumo struck five times and added three goal assists.

Prediction

Southampton’s defensive rating has risen rapidly after the change of coach, conceding four goals in five games under Selles, while playing against Chelsea or Manchester United.

Brentford, on the other hand, have been slightly dampened by the shooting dust. It has scored more than once in only two of its last six games. Yet the Bees have scored twice as many goals overall in the league (40) as their Wednesday opponents.

Given Brentford’s shooting woes, Saints’ improved performances and their more organised and better defensive performance, I think the last team in the table will not lose on home soil.