SOUTHAMPTON return to European competition on Thursday against Vitesse. Will they beat the Dutch side Chris Graham (@chrisgraham79)?
Southampton v Vitesse | Thursday 20:05
It's incredible to think that as recent as 2011 Southampton were playing in England's third tier now they return to European football on Thursday against Dutch side Vitesse.
Lovely story it may be but there's no room for sentiment in betting and Ronald Koeman's side look far too short here. 4/11 best price? Do me a quaver!
We've seen with West Ham that early season games like this can be difficult tasks for clubs. The Hammers would destroy Lusitanos and Birkirkara deep into a season, but in July things are a lot harder. Do you really want to be taking 4/11?
Fifth place in last season's Eredivisie was where Vitesse finished and they've now established themselves as one of the top sides in the Netherlands. They've finished Top 7 in each of the last four seasons and this will be their third appearance in the Europa League since 2012.
They've had a fairly disappointing time in this competition recently. Anzhi Makhachkala and Petrolul Ploiesti knocked them out in their last two campaigns and clearly they'll have to improve on that to compete here.
Vitesse have been in good form during pre-season with wins over Dundee United and Asteras Tripolis and they should be tuned up for this fixture.
Southampton should win this after what we saw from them last season but offer no value at all at the prices. With that in mind I'm willing to back Vitesse +1 on the Asian Handicap at a generous 6/4 with Bet365. Even if they lose by the odd goal I'll get my stake returned.
Best Bets
Southampton v Vitesse – Vitesse +1 Asian Handicap (6/4 Bet365)
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