SOUTHAMPTON'S next task in Europe is to take on Denmark's FC Midtjylland. Will they win at St Mary's? Chris Graham (@chrisgraham79) looks at the odds.
Southampton v FC Midtjylland | Thursday 20:00 | BT Sport Europe
Doesn't matter how you dress it up that was an alarming defeat for Southampton on Saturday. Losing 3-0 to Everton at home is not what we expect from this established top half side and there must be an air of trepidation about this tie.
Vitesse Arnhem were beaten with ease in the previous round by Saints and they now face Denmark's Midtjylland in the Europa League play-off round.
The Danes have dropped down from the Champions League after they were knocked out by APOEL Nicosia in the third qualifying round. That was an unfortunate defeat as they succumbed on away goals after losing 2-1 at home in the opening leg.
I actually think Midtjylland look underrated here at 11/1. Would Southampton beat APOEL? Would they get through the Champions League play-off rounds? Possibly, but by no means a given.
Southampton are as short as 3/10 to win this match and that's pitched too narrow for me. They may play an under-strength side after that defeat at the weekend. Newly promoted Watford are next in their Premier League fixture list and defeat against them would introduce mild panic.
The Danes have been very tight so far this season. In nine games in 2015/16 they've kept seven clean sheets and have picked up 13 points out of 15 in their domestic league. P9 W7 D1 L1 is impressive stuff.
With Midtjylland looking defensively sound and the odds framed for a strong Southampton performance I'll plump for the Under 2.5 Goals bet which to me looks hot at odds against.
Best Bets
Southampton v FC Midtjylland – Under 2.5 Goals (21/20 Bet365)
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