Southampton enjoyed a solid return to European football after 12 years as they defeated Vitesse 3-0 in the first leg of the Europa League qualifier. They travel to Arnhem this Thursday to defend that lead, a task that might prove more difficult than expected. Vitesse have not managed to score in any of their previous five games against Premier League clubs and they also let in eight goals in the process.
Vitesse have lost key players like Marko Vejinovic and Davy Propper this summer, so they are going through a process of rebuilding the squad. After the disappointing first leg defeat they will be determined to at least produce a solid display in front of their own fans. However, they have lost three of their last four European matches. But they are strong at home, last seasons only champions PSV Eindhoven managed to beat them in Arnhem.
Southampton boss Ronald Koeman might take advantage of the three-goal lead to rest some of his players ahead of the Premier League kick-off next weekend. The Saints have scored 17 goals in their last four pre-season matches, but the last friendly ended 1-1 against Espanyol. The first-leg success was the first European victory for Southampton since 1981.
Probable line-ups:
Vitesse: Room - Diks, Kashia, Leerdam, Achenteh - Baker, Nakamba, Vako, Brown - Djurdjevic, Oliinyk
Southampton: Stekelenburg - Cedric, Fonte, Yoshida, Martina - Wanyama, Ward-Prowse, Davis - Long, Rodriguez, Juanmi
My prediction: Southampton to win 2-1.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Vitesse win - 3.00 Draw - 3.40 Southampton win - 2.30
Alexa Alexa 8 years ago
Well,Southampthon proved that they have really good team.It is not easy to beat Vitesse.Dutch side has very talented players,they are know by their affiliation with Chelsea.Suthampthon is doing great business every year.They sell the best players but they always find new ones that are even better than the old ones.
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sharpe
8 years ago
The result from the first game says pretty much all in this one. Clear 3-0 victory for the Saints don't left any chances to the Dutch side who could try to win the second match in front of own crowd and defend his honour. If the English team underestimate the game home victory is possible but it's not very likely I think.
The result from the first game says pretty much all in this one. Clear 3-0 victory for the Saints don't left any chances to the Dutch side who could try to win the second match in front of own crowd and defend his honour. If the English team underestimate the game home victory is possible but it's not very likely I think.
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