Last chance for Saints

We made a profit again last week, thanks to the draw between Chelsea and West Ham. I’m not saying the Hammers deserved to win – Chelsea had many chances – but Arnautovic should have had a penalty with the score at 1-1. The saver bet at 12/1 would have netted more profit.Southampton and Chelsea meet twice in the next eight days. A cynic might suggest that Chelsea would be more than happy to donate three points in return for a quiet passag

e through to the FA Cup Final. Once upon a time these things happened, of course, but I suppose we’ve moved on.
The key on Saturday concerns the Blues’ attitude. They are most unlikely to qualify for the Champions League and most insiders expect Antonio Conte to move on. That will help Southampton only if they come out in b

arnstorming style and score the goal or two that their early pressure often promises but seldom deli

vers.Needless to say, I know full well that a fully motivated Chelsea would probably justify favouritism but it’s last chance saloon time at St Mary’s and, on this occasion, a bet at 100/30 on the Saints is justified. They play at 12.30 and the result will affect the other teams in trouble. Crystal Palace definitely have the fire-power to defeat Brighton and, in case you thought the three relegation places concern only the bottom six, Brighton have the toughest run-in of all after tomorrow. They should still survive all right but Palace need to make ground advantage coun

t.If Southampton win, defeat for Huddersfield at home to Watford would leave the Terriers very vulnerable indeed. I just can’t call it. Huddersfield score very few but Watford are the most unpredictable of all teams in the top section. They are the better outfit but I’d want more than 7/4.

SOUTHAMPTON 15 units at 100/30 to beat Chelsea
CRYSTAL PALACE 15 units at 10/11 to beat Brighton