Swansea v Southampton Betting Tip Draw – 20 September 2014

Premier League Tips

Swansea were hugely impressive for the first 20 minutes of their match at Chelsea but they paid the price for passing up too many chances in that time. Despite taking the lead they lost 4-2 and as a result, their 100% record also went. They should be hugely encouraged by their performance to date and should be looking to enjoy a more fruitful season than last time around when they struggled for long periods. They got the perfect start to the season with a win over Manchester United at Old Trafford and followed it up with home wins over Burnley and West Brom. They will be able to take plenty of positives from their visit to Stamford Bridge but Gary Monk – a defender himself – will be well aware that they need to be more disciplined when they do not have the ball.

Having previewed Southampton’s home game against Newcastle last week, I anticipated goals in the game but I hadn’t envisaged them to be all for one team. Ronald Koeman’s men were in scintillating form, particularly in the first half. The played at such a ferocious pace that Newcastle were unable to deal with them. Sitting with seven points after four games is not a bad return considering the turnover of players but the manager and squad will also be aware that they have not had the most testing of schedules thus far. They are bound to be tested when they make the trip to South Wales and it will be an indication of how they cope against another side full of confidence, especially one which likes to play on the front foot.

The Swans have had a pretty settled team throughout the first few games of the season. Key to their success has been the midfield partnership of Ki and Jonjo Shelvey. Both have already contributed goals to the cause but their strength is in retaining possession and moving the team forward. They may not be the most defensively minded of players in their position but they definitely suit the style of play that Monk has adopted.

On a current run of three straight wins in all competitions, the Saints will be in buoyant mood ahead of the weekend’s game. They have conceded just once in their last four and scored nine in that run of games so they could hardly be in better form. They performed with credit away from home for much of last season and it looks like they have continued that into the new campaign. They face another away match with a trip to Arsenal in the League cup next midweek but there’s no doubting that the Premier League points will be more of a priority.

I think this has all the makings of being a really exciting game between two sides who play an attractive brand of football. It’s also reassuring the see that they sit in the top four, because of this. Swansea will not want to lose consecutive games whilst the away side will be hoping to continue their excellent run of form. With those in mind – and because they appear to be very evenly matched on early season form – I don’t think either of the sides will be too disappointed with a share of the spoils.

Draw 12/5 @ Ladbrokes