Premier League: Southampton host Norwich after Europa League exit

Southampton’s Europa League exit could well be a blessing in disguise, and we may now see them return to the kind of form they were in last season.

At 21/20 with Coral to inflict the second defeat of the season on newly-promoted Norwich City, the Saints are again trying to bed in new signings, after seeing Morgan Schneiderlin and Nathaniel Clyne both leave in the summer. The long term absence of goalkeeper Fraser Forster who was pivotal to them last season, plus the failure to retain centre back Toby Alderweireld and an injury to Florin Gardos has left them with cracks at the back.

With new signing Jordy Clasie also picking up an injury in pre-season, Saints have struggled to put together any kind of consistency. However, encouragingly, attacker Jay Rodriguez has returned from an injury which has kept him out of action for over a year, and having dispatched in the first leg against Midtjylland is 5/1 to break the deadlock.

Graziano Pelle is Saints’ top scorer in all competitions, with three goals and, as a result is 9/2 to open the scoring, though the Canaries will be encouraged by their performances so far this term.

Since their opening day defeat to Crystal Palace, they earned a 1-1 draw against a tough Stoke City side last time out, while they have also beaten Sunderland 3-1 away from home.

They also followed up in midweek with a 2-1 victory over Rotherham in the Capital One Cup second round and have a multitude of players who have hit the back of the net.

Russell Martin is their highest scorer with two so far and is good value in the anytime market at 12/1 while Nathan Redmond who has also opened his account is priced at 7/2 in the anytime market.

Canaries manager Alex Neil is happy with how his team have done so far: “We’ve done particularly well away from home and we want to carry that run of form on this weekend.

“Southampton have a really good squad. They are a good example of a club who have managed to stabilise themselves in the Premier League.”

Coral’s top tip: Martin anytime scorer @ 12/1