The English Premier League continues this weekend, so take a look at our tips and predictions for the Southampton vs. Burnley and Swansea City vs. Brighton matches. With plenty of picks and markets to choose from, don’t waste your time and join the action at Get More Sports.
Southampton vs. Burnley
Three-Way: 1: Southampton -133; X: +283 Draw; 2: Burnley +604 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -1: Southampton +129; Burnley -132
Total +2.5: Over +140; Under -143
SOUTHAMPTON
The Saints are without a loss in the last three matches in the Premier League and are currently in the 10th position with 13 points. Southampton drew the previous game at Brighton even though they had an early lead through Steven Davis, but Glenn Murray equalized seven minutes after the interval to set the final score, 1:1. Once again, Mauricio Pellegrino’s side failed to impress, but a point at Amex Stadium is not that bad.
Southampton played 11 games so far in the 2017/18, recording three wins, four draws, and four losses, with a goal difference of 9:12, which is 1.90 goals per contest on average. The Saints scored in the previous two home matches, while they didn’t suffer a defeat to Burnley at St. Mary’s since 2008. The home team is usually better when these two meet, and I think Southampton has an advantage, but the Clarets are a quite tricky side.
The Italian forward Manolo Gabbiadini is the team’s top scorer with three goals in 11 appearances, while Steven Davis is right behind him with a couple to his name. The efficiency is Pellegrino’s biggest problem, but luckily for him, the Saints are not allowing plenty of goals, and I believe that solid defense is the only thing that keeps him at St. Mary’s. Shane Long and Nathan Redmond recorded a pair of assists apiece, but everyone needs to step up offensively and play more freely instead of taking a cautious approach. The striker Charlie Austin (knock) and midfielder Mario Lemina (ankle) are doubtful for this clash, but the rest of the squad is healthy and ready to go.
BURNLEY
The Clarets suffered a first away defeat in the Premier League against Man City at Etihad, but bounced back at Turf Moor and beat Newcastle United, thanks to the second half goal from Jeff Hendrick. The visitors had chances to equalize, but Ben Mee and James Tarkowski were excellent in defense and fought off all Newcastle’s attacks. Burnley is in the highly respectable 7th place in the Premier League with 16 points, and their confidence is pretty high at the moment.
Burnley played 12 games in this campaign, recording five victories, four draws, and three losses, with a goal difference of 13:12, which is just over two goals per contest on average. The Clarets have been good in away matches, and only the Citizens beat them this season, but Burnley is not playing well when visiting St. Mary’s in recent history. However, they managed to stay unbeaten against bigger teams including at Wembley, Anfield, and Stamford Bridge, so it wouldn’t be that surprising to see Burley taking all three points.
Chris Wood is the team’s leading scorer with four goals in nine appearances, while Robbie Brady, Sam Vokes, and Jeff Hendrick scored two goals apiece at the moment. Jack Cork, Robbie Brady, and Johann Gudmundsson added a couple of assists to their respective names, and although the Clarets are not the offensive-minded team, they know how to attack when need to but are defending excellently. Sean Dyche is without the keeper Tom Heaton (shoulder) and Jonathan Walters (knee), while Chris Wood is doubtful with a thigh injury and he already missed the latest Premier League match. Ashely Barnes or Sam Vokes will get the start in the attack if Woos is unable to perform.
Southampton vs. Burnley – Match Prediction
Both rivals are struggling offensively but are rather responsible at the back, and considering their respective playing styles, I don’t believe Southampton and Burnley are capable of combining for more than two goals.
MY PICK: Under 2.5 goals (-143)
Swansea City vs. Brighton
Three-Way: 1: Swansea City +152; X: +235 Draw; 2: Brighton +250 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread 0: Swansea City -143; Brighton +141
Total +2: Over -115; Under +110
SWANSEA CITY
The Swans are in the poor form of three consecutive defeats, including the one in the Carabao Cup 1/8 finals to Manchester United, and they are currently in the 17th position in the Premier League with eight points. A potential loss here would send them to the danger zone, so Swansea must respond at home and snap the losing streak. They had the first half lead at Emirates thanks to Sam Clucas, but two quick goals from Kolasinac and Ramsey completed the comeback for Arsenal, and Paul Clement’s side left London empty-handed.
Swansea played 13 games in this season, recording four victories, two draws, and seven losses, with a goal difference of 13:15, which is 2.15 goals per contest on average. The Swans lost five from six at Liberty Stadium, conceding in all but one, so the visitors will have their chance on this one, even though they are without a win at Swansea since 2001.
The youngster Tammy Abraham is the team’s top scorer with five goals in 13 appearances, Jordan Ayew has three, while Alfie Mawson and Leroy Fer contributed with a pair of goals each. Jordan Ayew is the best assist-maker with three dishes to his name, and he and Abraham will pose the biggest threat to Matt Ryan and Brighton’s defense. Paul Clement cannot count on the Portuguese midfielder Renato Sanchez (thigh) and defender Kyle Bartley (ruptured knee ligament), while Martin Olsson and Wilfried Bony are questionable due to thigh issues.
BRIGHTON
The Seagulls are in a good run of three Premier League matches without a defeat, while they scored in each, including three at London Stadium against West Ham. Brighton is in the 12th position with 12 points, four more than Swansea, and they are playing very well at the moment, considering the strength of their squad and the money they invested last summer.
Brighton played 12 games in the 2017/18 so far, recording four victories, three draws, and five losses, with a goal difference of 11:12, which is 1.91 goals per contest on average. The efficiency is not their better side, so don’t expect to see a bunch of goals here as the Seagulls scored four in five away matches, but three of those were against the Hammers.
The veteran striker Glenn Murray is the team’s leading scorer with three goals in eight appearances, while the German Pascal Gross and Israeli international Tomer Hemed are following Murray with two goals apiece. Gross is among the best assist-makers in the Premier League as he recorded five dishes thus far, and is a key figure in Brighton’s attack, so the hosts should pay special attention to him. Chris Hughton is delighted to have the almost entire team at his disposal as only Steve Sidwell is unavailable due to a back injury, and will miss another 20 days.
Swansea City vs. Brighton – Match Prediction
This is not an easy game to predict when it comes to selecting a winner, but I think it will be a tight clash in which we will not see many goals. In fact, I believe that at least one team will not score, and that will be my safe pick here.
MY PIC: Both teams to score NO (-118)
