Southampton vs Brentford

St Mary’s Stadium is the venue as Southampton and Brentford face each other in a high-stakes Premier League contest.

Southampton’s survival battle picks up momentum under new manager Ruben Selles, with last weekend’s heroic 0-0 away draw at Manchester United marking their third clean sheet in four Premier League matches under the Spaniard’s tutelage (W2, D1, L1). Entertainment has been relatively sparse, though, as each of those four games featured under 1.5 total goals, highlighting the potential for another low-scoring contest. The ‘Saints’ wouldn’t mind that scenario if it helps them avenge a disappointing 3-0 defeat in the reverse fixture. Despite lamenting fewer home points (9) and triumphs (2) than any other Premier League side this term, Southampton could win back-to-back top-flight outings at St Mary’s for the first time since February 2022 after dispatching Leicester City 1-0 last time out.

As for Brentford, last weekend’s gut-wrenching 1-0 defeat at relegation-battling Everton ended their impressive 12-game unbeaten run in the Premier League (W6, D6), derailing their chances of a first-ever European qualification. Desperate to bounce back, the ‘Bees’ come into proceedings seeking their maiden midweek Premier League victory after seven failed attempts (D2, L5). But after going winless in their last three away league matches (D2, L1) and failing to score in two, Thomas Frank’s men have to rally behind their leader if they’re to avenge a horrendous 4-1 defeat in this corresponding fixture in 2021/22. Conceding the opening goal could throw those hopes under the bus, considering they’ve gone winless in all eight Premier League away games after falling behind this term (D4, L4).