England Other
2005-08-22 - Southend vs Southampton
A Sports Betting Pick by MU4L
CARLING CUP
This is the live showing in the UK on Sky Sports Monday Night Football, and is the first of the weeks Carling Cup ties.
SOUTHEND
Southend were promoted from League 2 last season, and have made a decent start to their campaign in League 1.
After the disappointment of losing 1-2 at home on the opening day, they have managed to grab 5 points from their next 3 games, and positioned themselves in mid-table.
The season for them is really one of consolidation, and they will be hoping that they do not make a quick return to the basement division in English league football.
SOUTHAMPTON
Southampton are finding their feet in the Championship, and while manager Harry Redknapp is still scouring the market for potential signings, their current squad is doing enough to grab a couple of wins from their first 4 games.
Their real problem is scoring enough goals, only 4 so far all season, but they have a solid defence, which while being breached 3 times this season, has kept 3 clean sheets.
With the one loss being at Luton, to a last minute goal, this game will be an interesting challenge to the Saints.
TEAM NEWS
The team news shows that Southend will be missing suspended striker Freddy Eastwood and also defender Duncan Jupp.
Spencer Prior is likely to deputise for Jupp, and both Mark Bentley and Mitchell Cole are fit again to join the squad.
The Saints will miss influential defender, Claus Lundekvam, and young player Martin Cranie is likely to come into the side.
It is interesting to note that the last time Lundekvam missed out, the Saints lost those 3 goals spoken about in a 3-2 loss at Luton.
OTHER FACTORS
The weather can be important in these ties at lower league clubs in relation to the affect it could have on the playing surface.
With light rain forecasted, it should not be too bad for the higher placed team, Southampton, to play their usual game.
NOTE :
The Confidence is in relation to current team news and the seemingly good value on the Saints.
MAKE SURE TO KEEP ONE EYE ON TEAM NEWS AND COME BACK HERE TO SEE WHETHER I HAVE POSTED FURTHER NEWS UPDATES
The Pick :
Southampton to win 2-1
BEST BETTING TIP :
MY BET: Southampton to win @ 1.90GOONER ADDS :
We had three bookies listed at 1.90+ overnight .. but the odds have been slashed this morning.
