Southampton is heading to Sunderland this Saturday for a lunchtime match, hoping to keep their undefeated league streak alive. So far, they’ve looked strong, which doesn’t bode well for Sunderland, a team that’s had a shaky start to the season.
Last season, Sunderland had an impressive start, losing just one game in their first five and making it to the playoffs. But this season is a different story. With only one win in four Championship games and two straight initial losses, they’re struggling to find their rhythm. Their last game, a 0-0 draw against Coventry City, finally gave them their first clean sheet, but they’ve still allowed goals in their three home matches across all competitions.
In contrast, Southampton is riding high. They’ve tallied three wins and a draw from their first four matches and are sitting pretty just two points shy of the top spot. Coming off a 2-1 win against QPR, Adam Armstrong has been a key player, scoring the winning goal. Southampton’s offense has been on fire, netting at least two goals in each of their four games. But that offensive strength has come at a cost—they haven’t kept a clean sheet yet.
Odds
Southampton priced at 13/10 to win. Sunderland, even on their home turf, are the underdogs with 11/4 odds.
Southampton has historically had the edge, leading with 20 wins to Sunderland’s 13, along with 12 draws in 45 previous matchups. The Saints have won the last two encounters, including a 4-0 thrashing at the Stadium of Light back in 2017.
Anytime scorer tip
Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham might be the one to watch this Saturday. He scored twice in Sunderland’s last home game and is priced at 9/2 by bet365 to score in the upcoming match.
On the Southampton side, Adam Armstrong is turning heads this season with four goals in as many games. You might want to keep tabs on him; he’s priced at 15/8 to score anytime.
