Huddersfield vs Southampton: Preview and Prediction

Saturday 22nd December 2018

England Premier League
Saturday 22nd December 2018
Kick off at 3pm GMT
Venue: Kirklees Stadium

Match Preview:

Huddersfield’s 1-0 loss against Newcastle last weekend was their 11^th of the season and 4^th game in a row without a victory or a draw. It is no surprise then to find them down in 19^th place. They need to start picking up points or they will lose touch with the pack soon enough.

This weekend they will take on Southampton at Kirklees Stadium, a stadium where they have won just 1 game all season and the reality is that Huddersfield have the worst home record in the league where they have won 5 points from a possible 27.

Everything seems to have changed for Southampton in just a week as their new manager Ralph Hasenhuttl made an immediate impact as the Saints beat and shocked Arsenal 3-2 last weekend. The victory came complete with Hasenhuttl’s victory dance and the Austrian has already warmed the hearts of the Saints fans. This is only a good thing and would have run through the team who needed a massive boost.

It does remain to be seen though how Southampton will travel under their new coach. We must remember the club have lost 4 away games in a row coming into this match and have lost 7 from 9 games. They have conceded 20 goals away from home, only Fulham with 24 have a worse record.

Team News:

Huddersfield: Aaron Mooy will miss the rest of the year with a knee injury as will Tommy Smith with a hamstring problem. Rajiv van La Parra will be assessed ahead of the game with a back problem.

Southampton: Ryan Bertrand is out until at least after Christmas with a back injury. Cedric has almost recovered from his calf injury and may make this squad. Mario Lemina is fighting fit to be included in the team after his muscle injury and is currently 50/50. Michael Obafemi and Nathan Redmond could also be back with the club and are in training and will be assessed

Huddersfield vs Southampton Head to Head:

The last 2 meetings between the sides ended in a draw.

Southampton have no wins at Huddersfield going back 3 games and a decade.

Huddersfield vs Southampton Prediction:

After the highs of last weekend Southampton’s real mentality will be laid bare for their new coach to see. It is one thing raising your game against a top side like Arsenal but quite another beating a team that is near you in the league. We are going to take that risk that Southampton will be able to continue on a higher level and come here and get the win but also cover the draw for added security. Huddersfield have been simply too poor at home and overall in the league and this is Southampton’s to lose.

Huddersfield vs Southampton Betting Tips:

Asian handicap (0.0 Southampton)

Anytime goalscorer: Charlie Austin at 3.00