Southampton seek response to Man City loss away at Arsenal

When Southampton last suffered a Premier League defeat, they responded by thrashing Sunderland 8-0. Couple that with the fact Saints have won at Arsenal in the Capital One Cup this term, and odds of 7/2 on offer with Coral for an away win seem tempting.

Critics of Ronald Koeman say that his side owe their position in the top four, which they 5/2 chances to still occupy come the end of the season, down to not playing many of England’s elite teams.

When previously paired with Premier League clubs that ended in European places last term, they have lost all three encounters this campaign (Liverpool and Tottenham away before Manchester City at home last time out). That makes Arsene Wenger’s Gunners odds-on favourites for victory at 4/5.

A draw, which as history shows would be a far more likely outcome were this game held at St Mary’s, comes in at 11/4, so it’s fair to say the bookies think the wheels are coming off Southampton.

Coral, as a result, offer a matchday special of 5/2 (with a maximum stake of £20) on Arsenal winning to nil, just as City and Spurs managed against Saints in league action.

Koeman can still boast he has the best Premier League defence despite defeat on Super Sunday to the champions. How will Southampton cope against rampant Chile attacker Alexis Sanchez, though?

With eight goals in his last 10 home games, Sanchez is a forward-thrusting threat that is difficult for the visitors to mark. He netted for the Gunners in that League Cup defeat, and is therefore odds-on at 10/11 in the anytime market.

Worse still for Saints is Olivier Giroud’s earlier than anticipated return. The France centre forward has three in his last two appearances against this opposition, so is an even-money anytime chance and 4/1 to grab the opener.