Eng. Championship
2011-10-29 - Southampton vs Middlesbrough
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football : English Championship
Saturday 29 October 2011 - Kickoff 3pm
Southampton
Southampton were considered a dark horse for promotion this season and they have started the season in fine fashion, particularly at St Mary's where they have been unbeatable so far. This game represents a big challenge for Nigel Adkins as they look to maintain their lead at the top of the Championship.
The Saints lead the way after picking up 27 points from their first 13 League games this season, and they have only been beaten twice all season. At home, they have won all 6 games they have played, scoring 16 goals and conceding just 4, making them the joint 2nd highest scorers in the League and also joint best defence.
They have won just 2 of their last 7 games in all competitions as they have come off the boil just slightly since their blistering start to the season. It is telling, however, that all the games they have failed to win have been away from home and they will be looking to extend their home winning streak to 18 games in all competitions.
Adam Lallana will be hoping to return to the squad for this game after missing the last 4 games, but may have to settle for a place on the bench. Nigel Adkins will also restore the majority of his first team after making changes for the Carling Cup loss at Crystal Palace on Tuesday.
Middlesbrough
While Southampton were considered a dark horse, Middlesbrough were expected to have a transitional season as they had not been able to make many changes to their squad. However, they have had a fast start to the new season and it has raised expectations in this part of the North East that they may be able to rejoin rivals Sunderland and Newcastle in the Premier League.
Middlesbrough are 3rd in the Championship and have only suffered 1 defeat in their 13 League games this season. The team could actually move just 1 point behind Southampton if they can pick up the 3 points this week, and they should feel confident with their away record so far. Boro have a 4-1-1 away record, scoring 7 goals and conceding 3, meaning they have the best away defence in the League and have the most wins along with West Ham and Crystal Palace.
The team have not been in great form coming into this one, with their win over Derby County last week being their first since the middle of September in all competitions. That was a run of 6 games where they had failed to win, while they only scored 2 goals in those games. Middlesbrough have lost 2 of their last 3 away games in all competitions and have only scored 1 goal in those games.
Kevin Thomson has been ruled out through injury, as has Carl Ikeme. Matthew Bates has recovered his fitness from injury, but he will be a game time decision for Tony Mowbray and Middlesbrough.
Head to Head
The last time Southampton and Middlesbrough met was in the Premier League in the 2004/05 season, and both, especially Southampton, had a rollercoaster ride since then.
In that season, Southampton won 1-3 at the Riverside Stadium, but the game here was drawn 2-2.
Southampton have failed to win their last 7 home games against Middlesbrough, but these games took place from 1998-2004.
Prediction
This should be an intriguing top of the table clash, but one I feel Southampton can come out on top of as they have an imperious home record and I feel Middlesbrough have come off the boil a little bit of late.
The Saints themselves have not exactly been firing on all cylinders but they remain really strong at home and I like them to come out with another 3 points here.
One interesting fact about their run at home in the League this season is that they have won 5 of their 6 games while leading at half time and I am going to back Southampton to do the same here this week at what looks like a nice price at 2-1.
With Middlesbrough struggling for goals in recent games, I fancy a fast starting Saints could gain another important 3 points at home.
The Pick :
Southampton 2-0 Middlesbrough
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
I'll back Southampton HT-FT @ 3.00
