Southampton

14:00

24/08/24

Nottingham Forest

9/4

Southampton to Win + Over 1.5 Goals

Expert Betting Tips & Predictions for Southampton vs Nottingham Forest Match

In-Depth Betting Tips and Predictions for Southampton vs Nottingham Forest

This game, so early in the season, could end up being extremely important come May in deciding which teams will get relegated to the Championship. Southampton, who were promoted to the Premier League last season, host Nottingham Forest who are enjoying their third consecutive campaign in the top flight, but only managed to survive relegation last season on the final day with a win over Burnley.

Southampton opened their Premier League campaign with a visit to St. James’ Park where they lost 1-0 to Newcastle despite playing against 10 men for a lot of the game. The Saints enjoyed 78% possession away from home and had 19 shots. With only four on target however, they failed to find the back of the net. Conversely, Newcastle scored their goal with their only effort on target in the whole game.

Southampton have enough quality players to win the game against Forest, but it will be a matter of whether or not they can take their chances. Forest are a team that will give you a chance if you go at them, and being at home, Southampton should end up having the majority of the chances.

Nottingham Forest started their season at home to Bournemouth in what was a pretty even contest. Bournemouth started without a number of their first choice players so Forest will be disappointed that they didn’t take all three points, especially considering they held the lead for over an hour. Chris Wood latched onto a mistake from Bournemouth keeper Neto to give the Trees the lead in the first half, but another defensive error gave Antoine Semenyo the equaliser with just four minutes to play. This was the third season in a row that Bournemouth managed a late goal at the City Ground, the other two being winners.

Forest will be without midfield star Danilo after he broke his ankle less than 10 minutes into the fixture when he landed awkwardly after an aerial duel. Ryan Yates was a comfortable replacement but as Danilo will be out for a long time, Forest may want to go back into the transfer market for a replacement before the window closes.

Despite being the weaker side on paper, Southampton have enough quality to cause problems for Nottingham Forest and have home advantage which is really important especially as it is their first fixture at St. Mary’s since they were promoted. Should the Saints start on the front foot, they will be able to come away with a victory.