Another round of matches in the Premier League kick off on Friday night this weekend and it does so with a match which could be an entertaining offering as struggling Southampton host a fully firing Leicester City side.
Southampton go into the match above the relegation zone on goal difference alone whereas Leicester begin the weekend in third place and will move up to second spot for a day at least if they can win here.
Southampton
There was a lot more anticipated about Southampton heading into this season. They spent decent money to reinvigorate their attacking play but with just nine goals in nine matches to date I think it is fair to suggest that they are yet to see a significant return on their investment. To be fair that wouldn’t have been so bad had their defence not gone absent without leave a few too many times thus far.
Saints go into this match off the back of a run which has seen them pick up just one point in their last four matches. They are yet to win at home this term, and in truth their home form has been a shambles for far too long now so they are in real need of a victory, both for their league position and also to show to their fans that they can perform in front of them. If they are going to get that then they need to tighten up at the back.
Leicester City
I think many judges expected to see a real improvement in Leicester City this season and so far that is exactly what we have seen, although if you look at the key statistics you could argue that they haven’t been dominating as matches as a side third in the league table might be doing. I don’t see it as a bad thing that they take a huge percentage of their chances. If anything they should be applauded for that.
Leicester have won three of their last four matches going into this match with the defeat in that run coming away to Liverpool, a match they would have got a point from but for a ridiculous dive by Sadio Mane to earn the game winning penalty. They have only won one of their four away matches though which could be a concern for anyone considering backing them here. I think it is fair to say they are the better side of these two though.
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Team News
Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has confirmed that he is going to be without Moussa Djenepo and Cedric Soares for this match, which leaves him looking for a creative spark in their attacking play. He could look to Sofiane Boufal to provide that.
Leicester City have a doubt over England international James Maddison although he is expected to play having come off last week as a precaution. That should allow Brendan Rodgers to name a full strength side.
Betting
I like Leicester City here. I accept they have only won one of their four away matches which probably only makes them a fair price here but I’m rarely a believer in value anyway. Although they have only won one on the road, the three they haven’t won have been at Stamford Bridge, Old Trafford and Anfield and with the greatest respect to St Mary’s, it isn’t as daunting as any of those three.
Southampton have struggled at home for what seems like an eternity and they have looked a defensive mess in recent times. Leicester have the skill in the centre of the park and the pace on dangerous areas to open them right up so I expect the Foxes to win this match. There is a case for expecting goals as well but I’ll take Leicester here.
Tips
WON – Back Leicester City to beat Southampton for a 4/10 stake at 2.40 with William Hill
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