Southampton v Brighton: All tight on night in 9-2 Bet Builder Tip

THE Monday night football is a south coast slugfest as Southampton and Brighton battle it out in search of a morale-boosting win.

Both are locked on four points after four Premier League games and there could be little to separate them again.

Result

Southampton enjoyed an impressive 2-0 win at Crystal Palace (who admittedly were missing star man Wilf Zaha) in their last outing but struggle when it comes to racking up back-to-back victories.

In fact, Mark Hughes hasn't achieved the feat since January 2017, when he was Stoke boss, and St Mary's is no fortress with Saints having only won one of their last 13 league games on their own turf.

Brighton aren't great on their league travels either – six defeats in seven and no victories in 15. Chris Hughton's go-to gameplan away from home is to park the bus and Saints may well struggle to break them down.

Hughes' men won at Brighton in the cup a few weeks ago but both sides made plenty of changes that night so it's pretty irrelevant. Both league meetings last season finished 1-1 and I fancy another draw.

Total goals

Brighton were the third lowest scorers in the league last term – mustering just 31 goals in 38 games – and their 10 goals away from home was the joint worst tally.

Saints were similarly shot-shy, averaging less than a goal a game, and have netted once in two home games in the new campaign.

The hosts also have injury doubts over strikers Charlie Austin and Shane Long which won't help their cause. A goalfest looks unlikely so take under three goals.

Corners

Southampton are second only to Man City in the corner count this season. They've won 27 so far and at home they've been prolific with eight against Burnley and 10 against Leicester. Last term they averaged over 6.5 at home and over five is worth taking here.

Bet Builder Tip

• Draw
• Under 2.5 goals
• Over 5 Southampton corners
• (9-2, bet365)

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