The Championship: Southampton v Bristol City Odds and Betting Preview

SOUTHAMPTON, UK – League leaders Southampton host Bristol City this evening in their eagerly anticipated Championship clash at St Mary’s Stadium. The home side are twenty six points ahead of their opponents half way through the season, and it is therefore unsurprising that they start tonight’s fixture as strong favourites at 4/9 (bet £9 to make £4 profit) with Boylesports. Bristol City, on the other hand, can be backed to win at a market best of 15/2 with Ladbrokes, whilst the draw is on offer at 7/2 with Victor Chandler.

Southampton are unbeaten at home in 2011, and it is this impressive home form that has propelled them to the top of the Championship table. If they win in this upcoming fixture they will increase their lead over second-placed West Ham to six points. Nigel Adkins’ side will be given a boost, no doubt, by the return of striker David Connolly, who played for the first time after a two month absence on Boxing Day. The away side have not won a Championship fixture in their last five outings, a dire run of form that has seen them slump to 21st place in the league, only clear of the relegation zone on goal difference. Bristol will take some heart, however, from Southampton’s 2-2 draw against Blackpool in their last home game – the first time the Saints have dropped points at home this season.

In the over/under betting the top price on over 2.5 goals being scored is 5/6 with Ladbrokes, whilst under 2.5 goals can be backed at 23/20 with Victor Chandler. The bookmakers are clearly not anticipating a bore draw, however, and punters can therefore back under 0.5 goals being scored at considerably longer odds of 12/1 with Bet365.

Rickie Lambert has been on deadly form up front for Southampton this season, and currently tops the Championship top scorer table with fifteen goals. Unsurprisingly Lambert starts the game as strong favourite to open the scoring, and can currently be backed to do so at best odds of 10/3 with Blue Square. Lambert’s team mate Guly do Prado is also thought likely to score first at 5/1 with Ladbrokes, whilst Bristol’s most threatening player, Nicky Maynard, can be backed at 9/1 with Bet365.

Southampton are quoted at best odds of 21/20 with William Hill to win the match after leading at half time, whilst draw/Southampton is on offer at 10/3 with Betinternet. Draw/Bristol, on the other hand, is available at 18/1 with Ladbrokes, whilst those punters who think that Bristol will fight back to win the match after trailing at half time can back Southampton/Bristol at odds as long as 75/1 with Paddy Power.

Kick-Off is at 19.45 GMT

Southampton v Bristol City Match Odds

Southampton v Bristol City Over/Under Odds

Southampton v Bristol City First Goalscorer Odds

Southampton v Bristol City Half-Time/Full-Time Odds