Southampton - Manchester City Betting Preview: Why both teams to score in a sound investment

Southampton-Manchester City Betting Preview: Why both teams to score is a sound investment

Feb 7, 2013 12:00:00 PM

With the Saints regularly scoring at home, Phil Kitromilides believes neither will keep a clean sheet at St Mary's on Saturday when they entertain the champions

Saturday's late kick-off in the Premier League sees Southampton host the champions Manchester City, with the Saints having been difficult to beat at St Mary's in recent weeks.

Indeed, the side from the south coast have suffered just one defeat in their last seven home matches in the Premier League and William Hill price them at 4/1 (5.00) to record a victory over their illustrious visitors.

City, meanwhile, have been a little lacklustre over the last month, slipping nine points behind leaders Manchester United having drawn their last two matches. If they have any pretensions of retaining their title this is a match they must win at all costs and they can be backed at 1/2 (1.50) to pick up the three points, with the draw offered at 3/1 (4.00).

If Southampton end the season having avoided relegation, it will probably be down to their form at St Mary's where they have looked tenacious and able to score goals.

In fact, they have scored in nine of their last 11 home matches in the league, and with City not having too much trouble in front of goal - scoring in seven of their last eight games - both teams to score looks a decent bet at 73/100 (1.73).

This bet has paid out in six of Southampton's last eight games in all competitions, and as well as being a sound investment is the kind of selection that guarantees punters' interest in the match is kept until the very end.

For a value bet back Manchester City to come from behind to win at 13/2 (7.50) which may sound a little far fetched until one considers that Southampton have scored first in seven of their last 11 home matches, thus making this bet a decent shout for a smaller stake.