Southampton will cross swords with Leeds United at St. Mary’s Stadium on Saturday in the Premier League.
The Saints were brushed aside 4-1 by Tottenham on the opening weekend of the new season. As a result, Ralph Hasenhuttl will expect a better performance from his boys in front of the home fans.
Leeds United, meanwhile, showed great fight and character to come from a goal down to beat Wolves 2-1 at Elland Road. Jesse Marsch’s side will feel confident about getting a positive result on their trip to Southampton.
Southampton vs Leeds United—Team News
Southampton
Ralph Hasenhuttl has confirmed Lyanco is Southampton’s only injury concern, with the centre-back joining Tino Livramento on the treatment table.
The back five experiment against Tottenham certainly didn’t work out last week, so Hasenhuttl is expected to revert back to his tried and tested 4-2-2-2 system. Gavin Bazanu will be in goal again, with a backline of Kyle Walker-Peters, Jan Bednarek, Mohammed Salisu and Romain Perraud starting ahead of him.
The creativity and chance-creating responsibilities should again fall on the shoulders of James Ward-Prowse from central midfield. Ward-Prowse, who scored in the 4-1 defeat to Spurs, will line up alongside Oriol Romeu in the engine room.
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Stuart Armstrong and Joe Aribo will operate as two number 10s, adding flair and much-needed energy to Hasenhuttl’s side. Up front, Che Adams could be paired with Moussa Djenepo, and the two pacey forwards will look to stretch the Leeds backline.
Leeds United
As for Leeds United, Jesse Marsch has received a major injury boost as summer signing Luis Sinisterra is available again after recovering from a pre-season hamstring injury. Skipper Liam Cooper and Adam Forshaw are also available, but Junior Firpo and Luke Ayling remain sidelined.
Leeds United enjoyed a big 2-1 win over Wolves and that should see Marsch persisting with the same 4-2-3-1 formation. In goal, Illan Meslier will be raring to keep a clean sheet. The young Frenchman will hope for more protection from his defenders on Saturday.
A back four of Rasmus Kristensen, Robin Koch, Diego Llorente and Pascal Struijk will shield Meslier against the Saints. Marc Roca and Tyler Adams will again protect the Whites’ rearguard, with Rodrigo providing the attacking impetus and creativity from the no.10 position.
There is no looking past the exciting Brenden Aaronson on the left flank from where he will look to exploit any gaps left behind by the Southampton left-back. Jack Harrison will continue on the right, with Patrick Bamford leading the attack for Marsch’s side.
Southampton vs Leeds United—Predicted Lineups
Southampton Predicted Lineup (4-2-2-2): Gavin Bazunu; Kyle Walker-Peters, Jan Bednarek, Mohammed Salisu, Romain Perraud; James Ward-Prowse, Oriol Romeu; Joe Aribo, Stuart Armstrong; Moussa Djenepo, Che Adams
Leeds United Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Illan Meslier; Rasmus Kristensen, Robin Koch, Diego Llorente, Pascal Struijk; Marc Roca, Tyler Adams; Brenden Aaronson, Rodrigo, Jack Harrison; Patrick Bamford
Southampton vs Leeds United—Key Players
Southampton—James Ward-Prowse
James Ward-Prowse will again be the key for Southampton. The England international can be influential with the ball at his feet, especially from set-piece situations. If the Saints are to get their first win on the board, Ward-Prowse will need to have a lot more say in midfield than he did against Tottenham last weekend.
Leeds United—Brenden Aaronson
Brenden Aaronson impressed on his Leeds United debut against Wolves, demonstrating his passing ability and vision. He will be looking to get behind the shaky Southampton backline and create opportunities for his teammates in the final third. If given the impetus and freedom to express himself, the exciting playmaker could cause a lot of problems for the home side.
Prediction: Southampton 1-2 Leeds United