Southampton v Huddersfield Town: Saints difficult to trust at short odds

Southampton v Huddersfield Town
Saturday, 15:00

Saints flattering to deceive

Southampton have been unconvincing this season and there has been no tangible evidence the decision to dispense with Claude Puel in the summer was the right one. The Saintsfinished eighth last season and reached the final of the League Cup. But Puel was replaced by Mauricio Pellegrino and their form during this campaign, with the side just three points above the relegation zone, has been far from impressive.

Four wins from 18 matches is a poor return so far this season and Southampton have gone five matches without a victory. Their low point of the campaign came in the last home match when Pellegrino apologised after the side were thrashed 4-1 by Leicester City. Last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Chelsea was no disgrace but there is no doubt the Saints need to start putting some form together over the festive period to quieten the dissenting voices.

Huddersfield end away run with convincing win

Huddersfield have won plenty of admirers with the way in which they have tackled their first Premier League campaign following promotion. David Wagner's side pulled off arguably the result of the season after their 2-1 home win over Manchester United in October which ended Jose Mourinho's team's unbeaten start. Huddersfield find themselves in a promising position in 11th place heading into the busy festive period.

A run of five defeats in six games was a concern and raised fears the club could be heading for a tough winter. But the Terriers emphatically halted their slide by thrashing Watford 4-1 at Vicarage Road last weekend. It was a big result for the club especially after going seven league matches on the road without scoring a goal. Huddersfield profited from some woeful Hornets defending but this was a significant confidence booster heading into a favourable run of fixtures over the new year.

Southampton far too short to trust

Southampton are 1.64 favourites for the match and this looks far too short. The Saints have flattered to deceive and let down odds-on backers too many times this season. Southampton are actually below Huddersfield in the table and have won just three of their ten league games at home. The hosts have shown little evidence of turning a corner and simply cannot be trusted at these stingy odds.

Huddersfield can be backed at 6.60 and the visitors certainly should not be discounted. Wagner's side stunned Watford last weekend and the victory should have done wonders for their confidence. The Terriers have also claimed three points at Crystal Palace and already managed six victories in the league this season. Their odds look generous against inconsistent opponents.

The draw also merits strong consideration at 4.00 which again looks overpriced. Two of Southampton's last four games have ended in stalemate and the Saints have been held six times this season including at the John Smith's Stadium back in August. On balance, this appeals as the best option out of the three bets although an away win can definitely be justified purely on value.

Huddersfield stand out in double chance market

There is no interest in backing unconvincing hosts Southampton at odds-on this weekend. Huddersfield, who have won two extra games and gained three points more than their opponents, are available at a significantly bigger price to avoid defeat. This bet makes much more sense with the visitors undeservedly underrated for this match. Getting an away win or the draw on side in the double chance market at 2.50 is a much more appealing proposition.

Ref Watch

Lee Probert takes charge of this weekend's match and the referee has sent off four players this season. His last dismissal was Marvin Zeegelaar in Watford's 1-0 defeat at Burnley this month.