• Southampton have not won in the Championship since the opening day of the season

• Middlesbrough are four points clear at the top of the table

• Recommended bet: Draw and both teams to score

Southampton welcome Championship leaders Middlesbrough to St Mary’s on Saturday looking to earn a first win under new boss Will Still since the late comeback victory over Wrexham in the opening game of the season.

Boro make the long trip south aiming to make it six wins from seven league matches and continue what has been a fine start to Rob Edwards’ tenure.

The latest Southampton vs Middlesbrough odds are available on LiveScore Bet

Team news

Southampton boss Will Still made nine changes from the team beaten at Hull last weekend for the trip to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup and may decide to keep some players in place for the visit of Boro.

Flynn Downes returned at Anfield and he could be retained, but Welington is still recovering from an ankle injury and is absent.

Middlesbrough defender George Edmundson will be assessed after suffering a black eye against West Brom, while fellow centre-back Dael Fry could shake off a calf issue to feature.

The Stats

Southampton have won four of their last seven league games against Middlesbrough.

Six of Boro’s last 10 away league games against Southampton have been draws.

Middlesbrough’s last victory at St Mary’s came back in September 2003.

The Saints have won just one of their last 20 league matches.

Middlesbrough's 16 points this season is their best return after six games in any league campaign.

The latest Southampton vs Middlesbrough odds are available on LiveScore Bet

Prediction

Southampton need to start winning games as demands at St Mary’s are high after coming down from the Premier League.

While manager Still has been in the role just a matter of months, he will be eager to get three points on the board to ease any concerns that can grow from five league games without a win.

Boro, however, will travel with little pressure on their shoulders after such a strong start to the campaign.

Edwards is a good motivator and will be supremely positive heading into the game, allowing his players a freedom to show him they can continue this unbeaten run.

Despite Southampton’s slow start to the season, they have scored in all but one game and that was against Portsmouth in the south-coast derby.

Therefore, you can expect Still’s side to find the net against a Middlesbrough side who have conceded in three of their last four league outings.

Edwards’ men had to settle for a point at Deepdale two weeks ago and may find a win difficult to come by at St Mary’s too.

Having played in the Premier League last season, Southampton still possess quality for this level and with home advantage, should be capable of holding Boro to a draw. 

Back the draw and both teams to score at 2/1 with LiveScore Bet

The latest Southampton vs Middlesbrough odds are available on LiveScore Bet