Chelsea at Southampton: Premier League gambling guide
By Mike Malley
Two consecutive disappointing losses have left the Chelsea squad and fanbase alike feeling low. The defeat to Brentford could’ve been excused by a lack of focus between the international break and a key Champions League fixture. The 3-1 calamity against Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge, however, was completely avoidable and probably would’ve turned out very differently if not for a few decisive errors. What was supposed to be a cagey affair between two formidable back lines turned into a coronation of Karim Benzema that will likely lead to the Blues being knocked out of the Champions League on Tuesday. To say it’s been a tough week would be an understatement.
The beautiful thing about gambling, though, is that even when Chelsea loses, we can still win. The Club World Cup Champions’ recent form has attracted the attention of the bookmakers, evidently, which means better odds on both the moneyline and with the Asian Handicap. St. Mary’s has been a particularly comfortable haven for the Blues in recent years, as well, so there is reason for cautious optimism among the Chelsea-supporting betting public. For no particular reason, I’m feeling good about Saturday’s match against Southampton.
Want your voice heard? Join the The Pride Of London team!
Here is the gambling guide for the PL match between Chelsea and Southampton
I’ve always been willing to admit when the Blues are struggling, but even my eyebrows were raised at the -110 odds for Chelsea moneyline bets against Saints. The sheer disparity of talent between the two squads is enough that getting nearly even money should be impossible. It also needs to be said that Southampton has played poorly in four consecutive matches, accumulating only a single point during that period thanks to a trademark James Ward-Prowse free kick against Leeds United last weekend. It’s difficult to say after the previous two games, but I have to take the reigning European Champions at -110.
Another big miss for Ralph Hasenhuttl and his side will be Armando Broja, who is benched compulsorily as a Chelsea loanee. The 20-year-old has already scored 12 goals for club and country this year, and he particularly impressed for Albania during the recent World Cup Qualifiers. Broja’s partnership up top with Che Adams is responsible for much of Southampton’s scoring output, and his absence will make it more challenging to find the back of the net from open play. I like the Chelsea clean sheet prop at +170 odds, so it’ll be the only plus juice bet made for this one.
Official odds (via WynnBet as of April 8)
Chelsea ML: -110
Southampton ML: +300
Draw: +270
Over/Under: 2.5 (-115/-105)
My picks
The Blues on the moneyline (-110) and the clean sheet prop (+170) are really the only two plays I’m feeling confident in, but I will take a third as I always do. I’ve long believed that the hungry dog runs faster, and there is no team more famished in the world right now than the Blues. Thomas Tuchel will have made sure that his players know how desperate the situation can get due to a prolonged stretch of bad form. The starting XI has to be switched on from the opening whistle, so give me Chelsea to score the first goal at -145, as well.
Next. Chelsea at Southampton predicted XI: 3-4-1-2 is the only way is up. dark
What bets are you going to be placing for this match? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on Twitter!