Who will earn their stripes at St Mary's?
The final match of the Premier League weekend sees Brighton travel 60 miles along the coastline to take on Southampton in an evenly-matched fixture which promises intrigue and incident in equal measure.
Southampton
After saving themselves from what appeared a certain relegation at the very end of last season, Mark Hughes will be looking for his side to push on and reassert themselves as a solid Premier League club, a term for so long associated with Southampton.
They haven’t exactly set about doing this so well thus far with only 4 points to show from as many games against opposition they’d consider to be on par with themselves. However, posting their first three points at the home of Brighton’s fierce rivals, Crystal Palace, just before the international break would have been a relief for Hughes who will be eyeing the opportunity to now bag back-to-back Premier League wins.
Natural goalscoring ability
Of course, winning certainly becomes easier when you can rely on a striker with the natural goalscoring ability of Danny Ings, who looks hungry to make up for lost time following an injury ravaged spell at Anfield which denied him the opportunity to prove his ability on the big stage.
Two goals from three starts already though suggests this could be the rebirth of a player once tipped to represent England and few would bet against him surpassing his previous tally of 11 top flight goals when at Burnley.
Brighton
It was a bit more comfortable for Brighton who guaranteed their Premier League status last term with a few games to spare after beating Man United, something Chris Hughton’s side are making quite a habit of.
Their impressive victory over the Red Devils two games in accounts for their only win but Seagulls fans won’t be too worried with what they’ve seen so far and would’ve been delighted with their side's spirited response after going two down at home to Fulham, to eventually claim a point.
Impossible to ignore
Instrumental in clawing The Seagulls back on level terms was talisman Glenn Murray, who else? The modest 34 year-old continues to blossom despite entering the final stages of his career, a reason perhaps why Southgate hasn’t considered calling up the frontman for England.
Yet, sustaining the form which sees him with three from four games already, to add to the 12 he notched last season - a rate which sees him only behind messrs Salah, Kane, Vardy, Aguero and Aubameyang in Premier League goals scored in 2018 – may leave Murray impossible to ignore in terms of international recognition.
Match Tip
Two evenly-matched sides with potent finishers look set to play out an intriguing MNF.
Though I’m not entirely sure whether it’ll be red and white or blue white to come out on top, I’m convinced the game will see both get on the scoresheet, with Ings and Murray the obvious goal threats.
I’ve gone with Betfair who have dished up considerable odds of 21/20 (2.05) on both teams to score.
Post bet chat Nick's Tips:
I feared for this tip after a dismal first half showing from Brighton but they showed true grit to pull themselves level from two down for the second game running. Both Ings and Murray managed to get on the scoresheet too which was the icing on the cake in terms of this tip!