Leeds United v Southampton

Talk about relegation battles in England, and two teams which are right in amongst the madness include Leeds United and Southampton. Both teams escaped the drop last year, but look almost certain to be involved until the latter stages of the season this year. While Leeds finally found a new manager in Javi Gracia, Southampton are still searching after failing to complete a deal for ex-Leeds boss Jesse Marsch.

Leeds News

Leeds come into this game with an eye-watering injury list, with no more than nine players likely to be either doubtful or missing the game entirely. The key players who are set to miss out include Maxi Wober, the January signing, and Luis Sinisterra, their livewire Colombian winger. Other important misses include Rodrigo, Pascal Strujik, and Liam Cooper.

This has left Leeds with next to no players to choose from, and their selection on the day is likely based on who is fit and available rather than any tactical switches or tweaks.

Southampton News

Saints, meanwhile, got a huge lift with their 1-0 win at Chelsea in their last game. They will likely be without Che Adams, though, who has been an important player for the club since he signed. His energy and enthusiasm, as well as his ability to harry defenders, will be missed.

They did go to Chelsea and win without him, though, so it is not impossible that Saints can repeat the trick. If their star man James Ward-Prowse is fit, they definitely have a chance here given his quality.

Verdict

Leeds are a shambles, and have done nothing to really convince anyone with their scrambled appointment of former Watford man Gracia. This should be a tight, frenetic game with plenty of nervous energy in the air. Expect a result for Saints, though, who are trending upward while Leeds collapse.

SCORE: 1-2