English Other
2011-09-21 - Southampton vs Preston North End
A Sports Betting Pick by Addicted
Football : English Carling Cup
Wednesday, September 21st, 2011, 7:45PM GMT
PREVIEW
Just bringing in a good manager does not mean results, with Brian Clough being a great example of that. You have to find the right fit.
Southampton have done that and boy are they reaping the rewards. Lying 22nd in League 1 this time this year, but then came Nigel Adkins to manage this side and since then Southampton have won 38 of his 54 games in charge. The Saints got promoted and now top the Championship table. Onwards and upwards.
Southampton are in amazing form at St. Marys. They have won their last 13 games in all competitions and are doing so by scoring a bunch. This season alone they have scored 11 goals in their 4 wins at home, conceding an average of 1 a game.
The Saints overall record reads 6 wins and 1 loss in the league. Southampton come into this having thrashed Birmingham City 3-1 over the weekend and will look to add to the 7 goals they have already scored in the Carling Cup this season.
Dan Harding looks to be out for this one, and the defence will miss him. Danny Fox misses out to as he is cup-tied, so Ryan Dickson might end up starting.
Preston used to be in the Championship but since relegation have gotten their act together and are actually doing well in their bid to bounce straight back up. Phil Browns side have 5 wins, a loss and a draw and are up to 6th, having beaten Brentford 3-1 in their last match.
I hear the manager is planning on making a fair few changes to his team. Adam Barton, Steven Smith, Danny Mayor and Keammar Daley all looks set to get playing time, and that does suggest the priority is very much getting back to the Championship.
Southampton have made their best start to the season in 103 years and they are not about to kill the momentum here by resting a bunch of players. Let it ride seems to be the plan, and I guess there is no reason to bet against Southampton at home.
BETTING VERDICT
Neither side has reached the 4th round in the last 7 years. Indeed, Preston have not gone that far in 9 years! They might be doing well in League 1 but I think Southampton are the right pick here to progress.
I've gone with some better value bets yesterday and they lost narrowly even though I had the right idea. I'll be a bit more restrained today. Take Southampton to win this one on the ML as your match pick.
For the main bet, take Southampton to score their first goal within the first 35 minutes.
The Pick :
Southampton to win
BEST BETTING TIP :
MAIN BET:Take Time of first team goal - Southampton - Before 35:00 @ 1.83 (Pinnacle)
Other bets to consider Southampton to win @ 1.55 (Pinnacle)
