Prediction: Southampton vs Leicester City

Verdict: Leicester City win

Best Odds: 6/5

Bookmaker: Bet365

Handed the chance to briefly climb up to second in the standings, a high-flying Leicester will make the trip to St. Mary’s on Friday night.

Southampton

Starting with the hosts, while Southampton may have managed to snatch a controversial point away at Wolves last weekend, it does not cover what has been an extended rut for the Saints. Now failing to win any of their last four Premier League appearances and losing three of those matchups, Ralph Hasenhüttl’s men have begun freefalling down the table. With only their goal difference keeping them outside of slipping into the drop zone, the pressure is really starting to mount on the former RB Leipzig boss. A huge part of Southampton’s continued struggles have come down to some woeful displays on home soil. Suffering a 4-1 hammering against Chelsea in their final appearance on the South Coast, they’re yet to record a victory in front of their own supporters since opening the 2019/2020 campaign and they have now failed to win any of their last six Premier League matches at St. Mary’s, a run that stems back to the middle of April.

Team News

Although Cedric Soares and Moussa Djenepo are still on the sidelines, Southampton have no new injury concerns heading into Friday’s Premier League matchup.

Leicester City

As for the visitors, while the mood around St, Mary’s might be at a continued low, Leicester have continued to take the Premier League by storm. Leaving it late to snatch a 2-1 win off of Burnley at the King Power over the weekend, Brendan Rodgers’ men have climbed up to third and have been handed the chance to briefly leapfrog Manchester City. Now winning four of their last five matches across all competitions, the Foxes have their sights firmly set on securing a European return this season. One man who has continued to spearhead Leicester’s eye-catching start to the new campaign has been attacking talisman and leading marksman, Jamie Vardy. Finding the net against Burnley last weekend, the former England international has recorded three strikes in his last three Premier League matchups and also has six in his last seven. Despite enjoying a continued purple patch, Rodgers will be calling on some improvements in his side’s form outside of Leicestershire. The Foxes have won just one of their last six top-flight matches on the road.

Team News

Like Friday’s hosts, Leicester also have a full squad available for selection.

Key Factors to Consider

• The Foxes have won four of their last five matches.
• Jamie Vardy has six goals in his last seven Premier League matches.
• Danny Ings has five goals in his last four matches across all competitions.
• Southampton have failed to win any of their last six Premier League matches at St. Mary’s.
• A victory on Friday would see Leicester briefly climb to second in the table.

Conclusion

While Leicester might be showing some issues outside of the King Power, the Foxes should see Friday as a golden opportunity to climb up to second in the table and leapfrog Manchester City. Enjoying a continued purple patch and with Southampton so publically struggling at St. Mary’s and in the midst of a relegation scrap, we’re backing an away victory for Brendan Rodgers’ men on their travels.

Verdict: Leicester City win

Best Odds: 6/5

Bookmaker: Bet365