Southampton v Arsenal Betting: Blanks to be fired at St Mary's

Arsenal kept their slim hopes of Champions League qualification alive with a vital victory against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.

Arsene Wenger’s men cannot afford a slip if they are to stand a realistic chance of taking their place in the top four at the end of the season and, so, it is imperative that the Gunners maintain momentum when they travel to take on Southampton on Wednesday night.

Arsenal’s away form is sure to be a concern for Wenger and his players ahead of this trip for the north Londoners have been beaten in five of their last six Premier League matches away from home.

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However, the Gunners claimed a crushing 5-0 win on their most recent visit to St Mary’s – in the FA Cup fourth round back in January – and Paddy Power offer even money (2.0) that Wenger’s men are winners once again in Hampshire.

Southampton had Fraser Forster to thank as they picked up a point against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, for the England goalkeeper was in inspired form for his side and Claude Puel’s charges will hope to build on that result with a win in this one.

The odds compilers offer 13/5 (3.60) that the Saints are celebrating a home win against the Gunners for a third successive season, having won both of the previous two Premier League meetings between the teams at St Mary’s – there is 5/2 (3.50) that the match ends in stalemate.

Arsenal have kept a clean sheet in just one of their last 13 matches away from home in the Premier League and 1/2 (1.50) is available that there are goals at both ends in this game – a selection that would have landed in just one of the last seven meetings between these teams.

There is 8/13 (1.62) that there are more than two goals scored – that particular play would have landed in five of Southampton’s last seven games on their home patch.

Southampton, though, are struggling in the final third. Puel’s men have drawn a blank in three of their last four fixtures, while the Saints have failed to find the net in four of their last six home matches in all competitions.

There have been fewer than three goals scored inside 90 minutes in each of Arsenal’s last four fixtures and another tight tussle could be in store when the rivalry is renewed. Paddy Power’s 5/4 (2.25) quote for fewer than three goals to be scored, therefore, may represent decent value for punters ahead of Wednesday’s crucial clash.