Still searching for their first win of the season following last week’s 2-1 loss at Everton, Southampton now return home to the confines of St. Mary’s stadium as they prepare for a clash this Saturday against former manager Claude Puel and Leicester City.
Southampton Host Former Manager Claude Puel
Jamie Vardy Suspended for Clash
Winning their first match of the season last weekend at Wolves, Leicester City should be on the front foot heading into this match. However, following a 66th-minute red card, Leicester will enter the match at Southampton without the services of top goalscorer and team leader Jamie Vardy.
Despite this loss, Leicester City are still a solid team. Defeating Wolves 2-0 last week, Leicester took full advantage of a 29th-minute own goal from Matt Doherty while James Madison capped off the Foxes goalscoring with a 45th-minute goal to lead Leicester to victory. This all comes despite the side being down to ten men for the majority of the second half.
That said, you do have to wonder how the loss of Vardy will affect the side. A leader on-and-off the pitch, Vardy’s presence is something that cannot be replaced. While Leicester are still a dangerous side without the English attacker, one has to wonder if Leicester can overcome his loss and still earn a victory on the road.
Danny Ings Opens Southampton Account
Despite suffering a 2-1 loss at Everton last Saturday, Southampton did have one major positive to take away from their match at Goodison Park. That positive came in the form of Danny Ings. Opening his Southampton goal-scoring account with a goal early in the second half, Ings provided a needed spark to this Saints attack.
Creating numerous chances throughout the match, Ings was easily the best player on the pitch for Southampton. However, while some positives can be found from the Saints attack, it was all negative for the Southampton defense.
Centre-backs Jack Stephens and Wesley Hoedt looked dreadful last weekend as Saints switched to a standard four at the back. Questions will now be raised as to whether it was the formation change or just the awful play of both defenders that caused the loss to Everton. Either way, we are almost certain to see a change of some form this week as Southampton host their former manager in Claude Puel.
Key Players
James Maddison Poised to Lead Foxes’ Attack
With Jamie Vardy absent for this match and Leicester still looking for a true replacement to Riyad Mahrez, all eyes will now be focused on summer signing Jamie Maddison. A true attacking midfielder that can both create chances as well as go it alone, Maddison opened his Leicester goal-account just before the stroke of half-time last weekend against Wolves.
With forward Vardy out of action for this contest against Southampton, Maddison will be looked at to lead the Foxes attack. Creating chances for both himself as well as the players around him, Maddison’s play will be on full display during this contest, giving many of Leicester’s supporters a chance to see if the Englishman can truly be the next Riyad Mahrez.
Ryan Bertrand Must Command and Direct at the Back
With the Southampton back line looking absolutely dreadful during the match at Everton last weekend, Saints will need to see some leadership from someone at the back. While not really at fault for the terrible play of the Saints centre-backs, Ryan Bertrand will be looked to as a leader and commander of the Saints back four.
With Jannick Vestergaard rumored to once again miss out on this match, it is likely that Southampton will once again line-up with a back four consisting of Cedric and Bertrand on the wings while two centre-backs man the middle of the pitch for Saints. Who these centre-backs are at the present is still a mystery, but whoever they are, Bertrand must look to take a leadership role.
Being both vocal and showing his authority over his fellow defenders, Bertrand needs to take on a full command role for Saints. Holding his fellow defenders accountable, Bertrand’s presence may hopefully provide an uplift in form as well as allow Saints to limit Leicester to as few chances as possible during this match.
Prediction
Looking to earn their first victory of the season, Southampton will try to take advantage of the crowd at St. Mary’s Stadium. With the supporters wanting both a win as well as bragging rights against their former manager Claude Puel, look for Southampton to try and get on the front foot early and often in this match as they search for three points from this contest.
However, while the Foxes are down one-star man, this is a side that can still not be taken lightly. If Leicester can pressure Southampton early and force the Saints back line to once again fall apart, this could surely be another three-points for Leicester. However, given the quality of both sides, I see both Saints and Leicester taking a point apiece from this early season clash.
Prediction: Southampton 1-1 Leicester City
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