- Southampton have won four and drawn one of their last five matches, currently on a two-game winning streak.
- Preston have won zero, drawn one and lost four of their last five fixtures.
- Preston have conceded 1.67 goals per game at home in the Championship this season.
Saintly visitors are in great shape
Southampton are well placed in fifth spot in the Championship with 23 points from 13 games and look a real force in the promotion race. Saints are one of the most in-form sides in the division with four wins and one draw from their last five, including a 3-2 win at West Ham United and a 4-1 demolition of Queens Park Rangers at home.
Tonda Eckert's players play an attack-first, possession-based game with high full-backs and plenty of forwards. Cyle Larin is a top-level finisher for the Saints and his seven goals in eight Championship appearances this term make him the most dangerous player on the pitch.
Kuryu Matsuki has added three goals to the nine scored by his team in their last five games, giving the visitors an additional attacking punch. The Saints are likely to win at Deepdale, but Preston's pressing game and Saints' high-line can lead to an open game.
Lilywhites left licking their wounds
Preston North End have had an awful start to the campaign and find themselves 24th in the Championship table after taking just five points from their first 13 games. Graham Alexander's side are in a relegation battle already on the back of a 4-1 thrashing at Wrexham, a 1-1 home draw with West Bromwich Albion and a 2-0 loss at Stoke City.
Alexander has installed a proactive, front-foot pressing game for the Lilywhites this year, who can switch from a back three to a back four seamlessly. Callum Lang, with three goals in eight appearances, is their main forward threat.
Saints have the edge
Southampton have an excellent recent record against Preston, winning three of the last five meetings and losing none. Their most recent clash was 6 months ago in the Championship 2025/2026 season when they beat the Lilywhites 3-1 away from home.
Preston have failed to win either of their two home games against Southampton this year and the odds-on favourites look likely to come out on top again on Saturday. There is enough value in a 2-1 away win for the visitors to take as a main bet for this game and the goals markets also appeal.
Southampton are 11/20 for the win, while Preston are 41/10 and the draw 67/20. Over 2.5 goals is 1/2 and both teams to score is 57/100, so there seems to be value in the away win bet at slightly under even money.
