Cross Game Multi Tips: Back Alonso in the shots market this Saturday
The Saints come in to Saturday's match against Chelsea off the back of 5 straight league defeats and even though their injury crisis is no longer as bad as it once was things still look bleak for them. My biggest worry is that Hasenhuttl continues to stick with the same formation even when it clearly isn’t working, Tuchel on the other hand is incredibly flexible with his tactics and will no doubt have 2-3 plans to exploit Southampton’s current weaknesses.
I’m sure they will continue with their back 3 which has proven fruitful so far, and the player who has benefitted most is Marcos Alonso; he’s proven before how effective he can be in this left wing back position, in the Spaniards' 4 starts under Tuchel he’s managed 9 shots, 3 on target and 1 goal, that’s a fantastic output for a defender and similar to what you would expect for an attacking midfielder.
He’s the man I’m backing this weekend - 15/8 and 11/1 for 1 and 2 shots on target, as well as 7/2 for 3 or more total shots all look value prices for a player who’s a proven goal threat from open play and set pieces.
Burnley v West Brom is a tough game to sell to the neutral but at least both sides will see this as a game to win 3 points as a draw wouldn’t really be acceptable for either, so it may end up being a decent watch. I don’t expect a free flowing game and both sides will likely see set pieces as their best chance of success so that’s why I’m plumping for a player whose a proven threat in those situations.
Diagne has managed a shot on target in all 3 games he’s started this season, including 2 shots on target v Manchester United last time out, he’s available at 12/5 for 2 shots on target here and that’s slightly more generous than I was expecting. He’s a lone striker so virtually all of West Brom’s attacks go through him, he’s also got great movement in and around the box and has shown he’s willing to chuck himself at any delivery.
With Pereira, Gallagher and Snodgrass in the side they do possess real quality in terms of delivery into the area, too, and even though Mee and Tarkowski are good in the air, Diagne may just have the edge in terms of movement and power.
Fulham have yet another must-win game against Sheffield United this weekend and a victory would take the Cottagers to within 3 points of safety. There’s certainly cause for optimism at Craven Cottage now they have settled on a first choice striker; Reid, Mitrovic, Cavaleiro, Kamara, Lookman and Loftus-Cheek have all played through the middle for Fulham this season but Josh Maja looks to be the man they will settle on for the rest of the season.
He’s managed 6 shots (3 on target) and 2 goals in less than 180 minutes so far against defences much stronger than Sheffield United's, who also have a host of injuries at the minute. Fleck and Berge are irreplaceable in their midfield and John Egan’s injury on Monday will likely see 38 year old Phil Jagielka drafted in to their back 5.
Fulham are blessed with pace and creativity in the advanced midfield positions so Lookman and Loftus-Cheek will likely get plenty of joy. Those two alongside Maja all have tempting shots and shots on target prices currently but I’m backing the in-form Maja for 2 shots on target at 9/4 as my main bet, as well as Fulham to win the game outright at 5/4.
