THE live match on Wednesday night brings together Arsenal and Southampton. How does Chris Graham (@chrisgraham79) see it panning out?
Arsenal v Southampton | Wednesday 19:45 | BT Sport 1
When assessing this match, it's Southampton that are the real puzzle to solve. How will they come back from that 3-0 home loss to Manchester City on Sunday? Of course, they also failed to win their previous match against struggling Aston Villa too, so what does it all mean?
After just one home league defeat in 15 months for Arsenal, it's easy to assume they're a solid side who excel at The Emirates. But that's far from the truth in all honesty.
Their six home league games this season have been a bit of a rollercoaster. Disappointing draws against Hull and Tottenham were compounded by that defeat to Manchester United the weekend before last. And even their two wins, were a bit of a huff and a puff, a last minute winner against Crystal Palace on opening day and a late goal-glut against Burnley papered over the cracks.
So, with that in mind, I won't be taking Arsenal at odds on. I won't be surprised if they win, but it's not the bet that grabs me.
Southampton have won three of their six away games. Two of those matches were defeats, and crucially they came against Liverpool and Tottenham – exactly the calibre of opponent they'll face here. It's worth stating that the highest-ranked side (according to the 2013/14 table) Southampton have beaten this season in the league are Newcastle (finished 9th last season). This will be a real test for them.
Ronald Koeman's side have scored in 10 of their 13 league fixtures this season and I wouldn't be at all surprised if they notched here. But more than once? I'm not so sure.
The 11/10 with BetVictor that there are exactly two or three goals scored in this game suits my needs perfectly. I can't see Arsenal running away with this fixture, nor expect Saints to score more than once. So, that is where I'm at.
Best Bet
Arsenal v Southampton – Exactly 2 or 3 Goals Scored
