Sheffield Wednesday vs Southampton Predictions

• Southampton have lost eight of their last ten competitive games, winning none.
• Sheffield Wednesday won each of their final four regular season games last term.
• Michael Smith scored 12 of his 18 League One goals at home last season.

Wednesday on the rise

Sheffield Wednesday were playing League One football last season, while Southampton were in the Premier League and now the pair clash on the opening week of the Championship season.

It’s an interesting contest because Wednesday are certainly on the rise after their promotion from a strong division last term, while Southampton’s squad is yet to really take shape after their relegation.

There’s a whole host of Saints stars being linked with a move away from the south coast and that includes key performers James Ward-Prowse and Romeo Lavia. Many still remain at the club, but it’s far from ideal to have so many players with an uncertain future at the start of the season.

Smith can stun favourites

Sheffield Wednesday look far better prepared for their opening Hillsborough contest and at over 2/1 they look a far bet to get off to a winning start. Xisco Munoz was an inexperienced operator during his time with Watford, but the Spanish gaffer created a pretty good impression during his short spell at Vicarage Road and his side can get off to a winning start on Friday night.

The hosts scored exactly two goals in three of their final five regular season games last term and Southampton conceded twice or more in each of their last five top-flight games. The Saints did score in four of these, though, so a 2-1 correct score prediction appeals.

I’m also backing Wednesday’s top scorer from last season to retain his place in the lineup and get off to a flying start at Hillsborough. Michael Smith scored 12 of his 18 League One goals on home soil last season, averaging a goal every 127 minutes.