GET ready for a frantic December as the Premier League enters a festive fixture pile-up this month.
It has been another packed schedule this weekend and if you fancy a flutter on Monday’s fixture, we’ve got you covered with our betting tips.
James Ward-Prowse heads into the contest in terrific formCredit: Reuters
Brighton vs Southampton, Monday 8pm (Sky Sports)
There’s nothing better than a derby on a cold, miserable December Monday night.
Southampton head along the south coast to meet Brighton at the Amex, with the Saints still riding high in the table despite snatching defeat from the jaws of victory against Man Utd.
Let’s hope that late defeat doesn’t begin a decline for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men, because they have been superb so far this season.
Brighton meanwhile are just about keeping their heads above water, scrapping out three draws in their last five matches.
The Seagulls home form though is a real cause for concern and along with Sheffield United, they’re the only two sides yet to win at home in the league.
Graham Potter will be fully aware that they need to break that duck – and soon.
This looks like the perfect opportunity, especially as Brighton will have 2,000 fans back in to generate some support from the terraces.
But as much as the home side need those three points to keep them clear of the bottom three, we’re surprised to see Southampton aren’t favourites here.
Since Brighton were promoted back to the Premier League in 2016/17, the Saints are unbeaten on this ground with a draw and three wins (one in the cup).
And since losing to Palace in their opening road match, they’re unbeaten on the road despite some tough fixtures.
You can get 17/10 on a Southampton win and we’re all over that for a Monday night winter warmer.
James Ward-Prowse is our pick to continue his goalscoring formCredit: EPA
Even without Danny Ings they have a real goal threat throughout the side with Che Adams really stepping up in recent weeks.
Back the Saints to march home with all three points, while over 2.5 goals appears to be the safer play if you want to avoid the results market.
Matches involving the Seagulls this season have featured an average of 3 goals, while for Southampton it’s a whopping 3.5 per match.
Get on that at a very generous price of 10/11.
James Ward-Prowse is in the form of his life at the moment and has four goals in his last five games, prompting Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to claim he ‘can’t be stopped’.
He only needs one more to equal his tally of five for the entire of the 2019/20 campaign – and he’s the value pick in the field.
You can get a massive 7/2 on him scoring anytime, which is huge considering his set-piece threat and recent hot-streak. Get on.
SunSport’s best bets
*All odds from Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
