Prediction: Southampton vs Leeds United

Verdict: Leeds United double chance

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: Unibet

Desperate to try and make it back-to-back Premier League wins on Saturday afternoon, Leeds will make the trip to St. Mary’s when they face off against Southampton.

Southampton

Starting with the hosts, while Southampton might have came close to snatching something at Stamford Bridge earlier in the month, it was another afternoon to forget for the Saints. Eventually getting hit with a late 3-1 defeat away at the defending European champions, Ralph Hasenhüttl’s men have had little to cheer about since opening the 2021/22 campaign. Marking their return from October’s international break holding just a one-point buffer from dropping into the bottom-three, many across the Premier League feel that they could be at the heart of a relegation scrap this season. With it appearing that their shock 0-0 stalemate away at defending champions Manchester City last month was just a minor bounce, Southampton are yet to pick up a single top-flight victory so far. On a run highlighted by a 1-0 loss at the hands of Wolves on September 26th, the former RB Leipzig boss will have a headache over his side’s issues in the final third. The Saints have managed to score just a single goal from any of their last four outings.

Team News

Southampton skipper James Ward-Prowse will miss out through suspension on Saturday afternoon.

Likewise, along with Jack Stephens still on the injury list, Scotland striker Che Adams will also be missing as he picked up a knock while away on international duties.

Leeds United

As for the visitors, while Leeds might have gained plenty of plaudits from fans and pundits alike last season, the Whites have struggled this time around. Last seen heading into the international break with what was a hard-fought 1-0 victory at home against Watford, Marcelo Bielsa’s side will be desperate to keep up that momentum this weekend. Managing to land just their first Premier League victory at their seventh attempt earlier in the month, the one-time Napoli boss will be hoping his side don’t endure a second-season spiral. Opening their return to action on the south coast still firmly looking over their shoulder at the drop zone, Leeds should at least be boosted by their eye-catching record against Saturday’s opponents. Including a 2-0 win against Southampton when they made the trip to St. Mary’s back in May, the Whites collected back-to-back victories against the south coast strugglers.

Team News

Attacking talisman Raphinha is likely to be missing on Saturday afternoon as he will not return back from international duties on time.

However, while Kalvin Phillips could return from a calf injury, Patrick Bamford looks set to miss out at St. Mary’s.

Key Factors to Consider

• Including a 2-0 win at St. Mary’s, Leeds collected back-to-back Premier League wins against Southampton last season.
• The Saints are one of four Premier League sides who are yet to pick up a single victory since opening the 2021/22 campaign.
• Saturday’s guests have failed to score more than a single goal in any of their last six matchups across all formats.
• Likewise, Southampton have scored just a single goal from any of their last four top-flight contests.
• None of the last four meetings have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

While neither side might have managed to find top gear with much stability since opening the 2021/22 campaign, Leeds should be smelling a chance on the road this weekend. Finally managing to pick up maximum points as they landed a 1-0 win against Watford when heading into the international break, the Whites will be desperate to keep up that momentum. Up against a Southampton side who are still waiting for their first Premier League victory, Marcelo Bielsa’s side will be boosted by their rampant displays against Saturday’s opponents. Landing back-to-back wins against the Saints last season, including a 2-0 victory at St. Mary’s, the Yorkshire outfit should be smelling a chance here.

Verdict: Leeds United double chance

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: Unibet