Bournemouth vs Southampton Prediction, Odds and Team News: Antoine Semenyo features in 10/1 double

Monday Night Football takes us down to the south coast where Bournemouth host Southampton, live at 8pm on Sky Sports.

Tom Winch has identified his two best bets for this Premier League clash, which includes a 10/1 anytime goalscorer and card double.

Bournemouth are likely to have a strong season in the Premier League. Andoni Iraola is a highly rated-manager who will be looking to improve on the 12th-place finish last term after he added some depth to his exciting squad over the summer. It’s been a tricky start for the Cherries, who have five points from games against Forest, Newcastle, Everton, Chelsea, and Liverpool.  

The home side are the favourites here, and rightly so. Their 1-1 draws with Forest and Newcastle look like good results, VAR denied Bournemouth a last-minute winner against Howe’s side, while Iraola’s men were the better side in their defeat to Chelsea in a game in which Evanilson missed a penalty. Now is the perfect opportunity to earn three points and some confidence.  

Southampton were always going to be up against it. They’ve lacked quality and are yet to earn their first win of the season. Russell Martin’s men have scored the fewest goals with just two. Quality is scarce, and I’m not sure they can keep up with their upcoming opponents on Monday night.  

I’m willing to back Bournemouth. They’re a little short as a single, so we need to get creative. Adding Under 4.5 Goals in the match boosts the price nicely into an odds-against selection. The Cherries’ emphatic last-gasp comeback win over Everton was the only time five or more goals have been scored in one of their Premier League games.  

Southampton have struggled for goals since their promotion. Martin’s men have scored just twice inside their opening five matches; all five of those clashes have seen four or fewer goals scored. They’ll be desperate to keep themselves in the contest but they could be up against it if they were to concede the opener. 

Bournemouth vs Southampton Team News

Bournemouth Starting XI: Arrizabalaga, Smith, Senesi, Zabarnyi, Kerkez, Cook, Christie, Semenyo, Ouattara, Tavernier, Evanilson.

Southampton Starting XI: Ramsdale, Sugawara, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Taylor, Downes, Cornet, Dibling, Fernandes, Fraser, Ugochukwu.

Antoine Semenyo and Taylor Harwood-Bellis are both part of my second selection. I expect both to play their part in this encounter for different reasons.  

The Ghanaian international has been remarkably busy in the shooting department this term. Semenyo has recorded a whopping 24 shots in just five appearances, an average of 5.02 per 90. Bournemouth’s forward has hit the target six times, scoring against Forest and Everton.  

Bournemouth will create chances. Their energy and high press will cause Southampton trouble. Russell Martin will refuse to play any other style of football despite it being an issue of concern. Semenyo is quick and isn’t afraid to unleash the trigger from any angle or distance.  

Semenyo is averaging 0.39xG per 90 this term. He’s played the entire game on four occasions this season. The visitors have conceded the fourth most xGA. I can see them struggling against the Bournemouth offence and certainly Antoine Semenyo.  

Taylor Harwood-Bellis has struggled in the early stages of the Premier League campaign. The 22-year-old has committed nine fouls at an average of 2.52 per 90. The central defender has been booked twice, averaging 0.56 cards per 90. 

Only Manchester City, Spurs and Brighton have averaged more possession than the Saints. It’s clear what their manager wants, which is attractive possession-based football. It worked well in the Championship, but it’s a different ball game in the top flight. 

Southampton players are bound to make errors when playing out from the back. Bournemouth will have a game plan, looking to press at the right moment and they will aim to pounce on any potential mistakes. 

Harwood-Bellis looks like an appealing price for a card. He made four fouls last weekend in Southampton's 1-1 draw with Ipswich. His foul and card stats have increased significantly from last season. The level may be a step too far. Bournemouth are a good side and won’t give you a moment of rest.  

The visitors have a tough run of fixtures over the upcoming weeks. They’ll be determined to put on a good performance here and will snap your hand off for a positive result. 

Bournemouth vs Southampton Bet Boosts