Chelsea are looking like a potential contender in the Premier League once more. The Blues are off to a very good start this season, and they are currently sitting in third in the Premier League standings. They have yet to lose a match in their bid to make a return to the top four, and they will put their undefeated start on the line against Southampton this week. The Saints have long had one of the better home field advantages for a mid-table club, and they are out to use that to their advantage this week.
Don't miss the English Premier League action from St. Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, England at 9:15 a.m. ET on Sunday, October 7, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on NBCSN.
English Premier League Betting at BookMaker.eu
Chelsea -166
Southampton +440
Draw +301
Over/Under 2.5 and 3
Odds Analysis
Southampton are 16th in the Premier League table heading into this weekend. The Saints began their season with a draw against Burnley, but they lost their next two matches before defeating Crystal Palace on the road. They followed that up with a draw against Brighton after the international break, yet they lost their last two matches, failing to score against either Liverpool or Wolverhampton.
The Blues have looked really sharp this season. They began their campaign with five straight wins, knocking off Huddersfield Town, Arsenal, Newcastle United, Bournemouth, and Cardiff City in successive matches. Chelsea have picked up draws in their last two Premier League matches, but few will begrudge them for ties on the road against West Ham and at home against Liverpool. The club has also knocked off PAOK in Europa League play and sent Liverpool crashing out of the Carabao Cup.
Key Injuries
Through the first two months of the Premier League campaign, the Saints have been remarkably healthy. Shane Long is the only player listed on the injury report, and he will miss the match due to a foot injury. Long is one of Southampton’s top scorers and it would be nice to have him available, but the Saints are one of the healthiest teams in England.
Chelsea have been somewhat fortunate too. Marco van Ginkel is a long-term injury with an ACL injury, but the rest of the lineup is relatively healthy. Andreas Christensen currently has an illness, yet he is expected to play in this match, while Pedro and Ruben Loftus-Creek are questionable to play.
Player to Watch
Eden Hazard has looked fantastic this season. He has been freed up under Maurizio Sarri’s system, and that has led to him ripping through opposing defenses. Hazard has scored seven goals in eight matches, and he found the back of the net last weekend against Liverpool. He is coming off of a fantastic World Cup, and there’s little doubt he is one of the best players in the Premier League. Chelsea’s fortunes will largely rest on his shoulders in this game, so look to see whether or not he plays in Thursday’s Europa League match against Videoton.
Prop Bet of the Game – First half under 1 and 1.5 -147
This season, the Saints have defended well in the first half. They were ripped apart early on by Liverpool a couple weeks ago, but that is the one time Southampton have allowed a first-half goal in their last six matches. Without Long, the Saints aren’t as big of a threat to score, and this bet has a very good chance of cashing.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Keep an eye on who starts and who sits for Chelsea in their Europa League tilt, but the Blues should keep their undefeated streak alive here. Southampton have defended well, yet the offensive options have been lacking and its hard to see them scoring the goals they need to grab a win.
English Premier League Odds: Chelsea 2, Southampton 1
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