Leeds United welcomes Southampton on matchday 31 with both the teams looking to get a win after consecutive defeats. Under Jesse Marsch, Leeds looks to have adjusted to the American’s playstyle and have 2 wins in his first 3 games. The Peacocks are in the relegation battle this season and every point they win will be crucial to their survival in the Premier League. Southampton on the other hand are well placed in the Premier League with the Saints 13 points off Watford who are 18th placed. Ralph Hassenhutl has done an impressive job with the team looking solid and the young attack of Che Adams and Chelsea loanee Armando Broja looking like a very good combination.
WHEN AND WHERE?
Date: Saturday, 2nd April 2022.
Time: 2:00 pm BST.
Venue: Elland Road, Leeds.
Match Officials
Referee: Anthony Taylor.
Assistants: Gary Beswick, Adam Nunn.
Fourth official: Robert Jones.
VAR: Mike Dean.
Assistant VAR: Neil Davies.
Team News
For Southampton, Oriol Romeu and Nathan Tella are fine to return to the squad with Alex Mccarthy the only doubt for the game. Leeds United on the other hand are enduring an injury hit season and will miss Patrick Bamford, Diego Llorente and Mateusz Klich. Kalvin Phillips, Raphinha and Liam Cooper are major injury returns for Jesse Marsch who said they are all in contention to start on Saturday.
Key Players
Che Adams
The Scottish striker has been the talisman for Southampton this season with 7 goals and 3 assists in 19 games this season. He is the 3rd highest top scorer this season for the Saints and will look to wreak havoc against Leeds who will be missing some key players in the defensive areas. His ability to link up well with his strike partner Broja and the midfielders has improved his performances this season.
Armando Broja
The Chelsea Loanee has been a revelation for Ralph Hussenhuttl and has recorded 9 goals and 1 assist in all competitions for the Saints with the Albanian being the club’s top scorer this season. His explosive pace and physicality are a threat to any defence with the striker putting up some good numbers this season. He is averaging 1 key pass per game and 2.5 shots per game. Kalvin Phillips who is set to make his injury return this weekend will have a job at hand to contain the Saints’ striker.
Raphinha
Having missed Leeds’ last game due to COVID, the Brazilian is back in the squad to face Southampton. The winger has been sensational for Leeds with 9 goals and 3 assists this season in 26 starts. He has deputised very well for Patrick Bamford who has missed the majority of the season due to injury. The Brazilian’s technique and flair is something which Jesse Marsch will be happy to utilise against a rigid Southampton team who defend with a low block. He will be key to finding defence opening passes and ensuring Leeds comes away with all the 3 points.
Predicted XI
Leeds United: Meslier; Ayling, Llorente, Koch, Dallas; Phillips, Forshaw; Raphinha, Rodrigo, Harrison; James.
Southampton: Forster; Livramento, Bednarek, Salisu, Walker-Peters; Elyounoussi, Romeu, Ward-Prowse, S. Armstrong; Broja, Adams.
