Preston North End

vs

Southampton

Preview

Preston North End

• Paul Heckingbottom has imposed a 3-5-2 structure on North End this season.
• Saturday’s hosts have failed to win either of their last two home matches.
• A recent away win over Sheffield United (2-3) was a highlight of Heckingbottom’s tenure after taking over in August 2024.
• North End have two wins, one draw and two defeats from their last five.

Southampton

• Southampton are solidly in the middle of a decent run with two wins, two draws and just one defeat from their last five.
• Tonda Eckert took charge of the Saints in November 2025 and since then his side have played fluid football mixing ball control with direct, high-energy pressing and rapid transitions in attack.
• Saints have split their last two away games with a win and a loss.

Head-to-Head

• Southampton have the better of the overall head-to-head record with North End, winning two of the last four meetings.
• Preston won 0-2 at St Mary’s five months ago.

Key Players

• Cyle Larin has bagged three goals in his last five appearances for Saints.
• Alfie Devine has assisted three of his team’s seven goals from their last five games.
• Lewis Dobbin has nine goals in 38 Championship appearances this term for Preston.
• Adam Armstrong tops the scoring charts at Southampton with 11 in 29.

Betting Insights

• Southampton are heavy favorites at 1.71.
• Preston are priced at 4.06.
• Both teams to score - Yes is available at 1.65 and represents a healthy selection given the goalscoring form on both sides.

Prediction

• We’re siding with the away side to return to winning ways.
• Also backing Both teams to score - Yes at 1.65.