Premier League: Leeds Can Escape the Drop Zone if They Beat Southampton

Leeds United vs Southampton

Two teams that are desperate to get out of the relegation scrap are set to go head-to-head at Elland Road as Leeds host Southampton.

The 19^th-seeded Whites are still ahead of the last-placed Saints in the Premier League standings, but only one point separates them. So, whoever wins here will not only have the edge over the other but will also move up at the table.

One of the biggest Premier League 2023 news stories this week is the appointment of Javi Gracia as new Leeds coach, and we may see him for the first time at the Whites’ helm should he get his work permit sorted ahead of Saturday.

Meanwhile, Southampton boss Ruben Selles will look to prove why he should be the team’s next permanent manager by getting another positive result.

Talking Points

Battle of two new managers

Javi Gracia and Ruben Selles were thrust into bad situations because their clubs are in the relegation mire, so these next few weeks will help determine how long they’ll stay at their respective clubs.

Selles is already ahead of Gracia, progress-wise, as this will be the third time he’ll take over as caretaker.

The 39-year-old first took control of an EFL Cup match against Sheffield Wednesday, which they won on penalties after sacking Ralph Hassenhuttl, and then they defeated Chelsea 1-0 last Saturday at Stamford Bridge.

A key to their victory is Selles’ re-installing Hasenhuttl’s preferred 4-2-2-2 system, which reminded Southampton of two of their greatest strengths: verticality and pressing.

Reports indicate that Selles is well liked by the Southampton players because of his no-nonsense attitude and passion for the game. Moreover, Selles made it clear that he is ready to become the club’s next permanent manager, so this is a great start.

Gracia, meanwhile, is back in a similar situation here at Leeds, as he’s tasked with guiding another Premier League side out of the relegation zone. He did this successfully with Watford before, so he’ll look to do it again.

The 52-year-old has been out of work for a while now. Gracia’s last coaching stint was in Qatar, where he led Al Sadd to winning the league title.

Bamford and Ward-Prowse will be key

With Rodrigo out for several months with an ankle injury, Patrick Bamford must step up for Leeds. Bamford looked like a shell of himself during last Saturday’s 1-0 loss to Everton, and that must change.

Leeds need the 2020-21 version of Bamford, where he smashed 17 goals. Unfortunately for Bamford, injuries have taken their toll, and he has only notched three goals and four assists in 18 games this term.

James Ward-Prowse, meanwhile, was the main reason why Southampton won last time out. He scored the winning goal via a direct free-kick, his 17^th in the Premier League, and only David Beckham has managed more with 18.

The 28-year-old midfielder has been a bright spot for the Saints this season with eight goals and two assists.

History

Leeds have lost just one of their 14 Premier League home matches against Southampton (W7, D6), and they’re undefeated in their last eight since losing 1-0 in February 1998.

But the Whites haven’t won in their last 10 Premier League matches (D4, L6), which is the longest current winless run in the English top-flight, and the Saints have won three of their last eight Premier League matches against Leeds (D3, L2).

Southampton’s four of their five Premier League victories have come away from home this term, including last week’s victory over Chelsea. This season, they’ve notched 67-per cent of their points on the road.

These two teams last met in August, when SBOTOP football fans were treated to a four-goal thriller. Rodrigo struck twice to give Leeds a two-goal lead in the second half, but they had to settle for a draw as Joe Aribo and Kyle Walker-Peters netted two late goals to draw level.

Betting Tip

The Premier League 2023 odds back Leeds to win at home this weekend, as they’re installed at 2.00, while Southampton are priced to win at 3.30, and a draw is at 3.40 in the 1X2 market.

This fixture between Leeds and Southampton is going to be quite competitive. But in the end, we feel that the hosts should be able to eke out a vital win.

A replay of their previous meeting (Correct Score 2-2 at 15.00) seems unlikely on Saturday. However, you also might want to consider going for Over 2.50 at 2.03 since it offers a great payout.

 

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