MANAGERLESS Inter take on Southampton in the Europa League on Thursday. Chris Graham (@chrisgraham79) gives us his view.
Southampton v Inter | Thursday 20:05 | BT Sport 2
Southampton manager Claude Puel claims he doesn’t know what to expect from Inter here after manager Frank De Boer’s sacking on Tuesday. I must admit I feel the same.
The Italian giants have been a mess in recent weeks and have lost five of their last nine matches. This has seen them drop to the bottom half of Serie A and to the summit of this Europa League group.
One rare grasp of positivity for the side came two weeks ago when they beat Southampton 1-0 at the San Siro. In truth they were fortunate though as the English sides bossed possession, shots and corners while missing a slew of chances.
Revenge is set up nicely for Saints here. The chance to beat a side who won the Champions League just six years ago in front of a big crowd at St Mary’s must be a huge motivation for them.
The win would also put them in a very strong position in the group and leave Inter floundering at the bottom with just two games left. It could be an epic night.
The puzzle for Southampton and their backers though is what Inter turn up. Youth team coach Stefano Vecchi takes charge on Thursday night and he’s already suggested he’s found it a stressy few days.
On all known form it’s hard to swerve Southampton here. Inter could of course be liberated by the absence of De Boer but you’re taking a chance there.
Even if Inter were in top form at the moment you’d fancy Saints to give them a game at St Mary’s. The side look to have overcome their staff turnover yet again and look nailed on for a comfortable season again.
Chelsea’s victory on the South Coast on Sunday was the first time Southampton had lost at home in 13 matches. This side seem big enough to pick themselves up from that.
At 5/6 it’s hardly the best price of the midweek but logically it makes sense. I could mix it up with something else but I’m just going to keep it simple and back them to win.
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Southampton v Inter – Southampton to win (5/6 Bet365)
