Southampton vs Bristol City predictions: Reliable Robins can make the Saints suffer
Daniel Childs
Bristol City are unbeaten in four games
Southampton have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last 10 Championship fixtures
Recommended bet: Bristol City or draw double chance, both teams to score and Lorent Tolaj to score anytime @ 5.25/1 with LiveScore Bet
Southampton seem to have moved on from the 'Spygate' scandal and they will be chasing a fourth league win of the campaign when taking on in-form Bristol City at the St Mary's Stadium on Saturday.
Starting the season with a four-point deduction was a challenge for Tonda Eckert's side, but they have responded well and are handily placed just outside the top half.
Saints took another big step forward at home to Swansea on Tuesday, with Finn Azaz's ninth-minute goal setting the tone for a superb 3-1 victory.
But they need to stay focused, as they face an equally confident Bristol City side on a three-game winning streak.
City took a bold decision this summer by appointing highly rated head coach Michael Skubala after his League One title triumph with Lincoln.
And the move seems to be paying off with the West Country side taking a healthy 10 points from their opening five Championship games.
The latest Southampton vs Bristol City odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Southampton must continue to make do without key midfielder Caspar Jander, who is sidelined with a muscle strain.
After an empty midweek, Bristol City may use the same personnel that beat Burnley 2-1 last Saturday, although they cannot call on defender Luke McNally (knee), a long-term absentee.
The stats
Southampton's last four home games have generated at least four goals and Saints have scored in 18 consecutive home fixtures.
Southampton have opened the scoring in five of their last six games.
Bristol City have won their last three Championship fixtures and the Robins have tasted defeat in only one of their last eight away games.
City have scored multiple goals in four successive matches.
The latest Southampton vs Bristol City odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
Bristol City have harvested seven points on their Championship travels and can show their quality by avoiding defeat against Southampton on the south coast.
There is a more attacking look to the Robins, who refreshed their forward line in the summer with moves for Lorent Tolaj and Dom Ballard.
The pair have posed a constant threat to opposing defences and the main danger to Southampton may come from Tolaj, who has the highest xG (1.4) among his colleagues.
Tolaj can add to his one-goal tally, although City may struggle to keep the back door shut against a star-studded opponent.
Southampton are averaging 2.33 goals per game and they can play their part in a high-scoring contest.
Score Prediction: Southampton 2-2 Bristol City
