2022-23 Premier League: Week Two – Southampton vs Leeds

Southampton chase a first win of 2022-23 Premier League season in a home clash against Leeds United at St Mary’s Stadium.

Victory would see Southampton climb out of the relegation zone, whilst Leeds can stay in the top half of the table with a win.

 

Team News

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Lyanco is ruled out for Southampton after suffering a knee injury in training this week.

Valentino Livramento (knee) and Theo Walcott (fitness) both remain absent.

Leeds manager – Jesse Marsch could hand Luis Sinisterra his debut after he recovered from a hamstring injury suffered during pre-season.

Daniel James is back in contention after he completed a three-match suspension, following a red card in Leeds’ penultimate home match last season.

Adam Forshaw (knee) and Liam Cooper (Achilles) could also be available but Junior Firpo, Luke Ayling (both knee) and Stuart Dallas (thigh) remain absent.

 

Stat Attack

• Southampton have claimed seven points from their last five Premier League meetings against Leeds (W2, D1, L2).
• Leeds have won two of their last five Premier League visits to Southampton (W2, L3).
• Neither team have scored from the penalty spot in 28 previous Premier League meetings, with Southampton wasting their only penalty kick in this league fixture.
• Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Saints have scored first in each of their last three home matches (W1, L2).
• Five of Leeds’ last six away goals were scored after half-time – of which two goals came from Jack Harrison.

 

Prediction

After a disastrous defensive display following their early opening goal at Tottenham last weekend, Southampton certainly need to deliver a massive improvement because their marking and positioning were just awful and has to really serve as rock-bottom to build upon now.

Leeds meanwhile seemed unfazed by Raphinha’s departure because after a sluggish start against Wolves, they showed fantastic fighting spirit in attack to fight back for a well-deserved clinical win amidst great goalkeeping from Illan Meslier.

Now if Leeds bring that same spirit into this match and Southampton’s defence hasn’t improved, I can see a comfortable away win but the Saints will be eager to produce a reaction in front of home fans, which could prove crucial if they are greeted with a vocal home atmosphere.

Prediction: Southampton 1-1 Leeds

Result: Southampton 2-2 Leeds