Southampton vs Leicester Preview
- Leicester to win
- Buonanotte to score
Southampton’s Struggles and Search for First Win
Southampton have endured a torrid return to the Premier League, currently sitting winless after seven matches (D1, L6).
The Saints have struggled on both ends of the pitch, scoring a league-low four goals while conceding 15, the joint-second most in the division.
This poor form has left them rooted near the bottom of the table, and they’ll be desperate to secure their first win of the season to kick start their campaign.
However, the task won’t be easy as they face a Leicester City side that they came up with from the Championship last season. The Foxes were ruthless in their encounters against Southampton in the second tier, winning by a combined score of 9-1 over two matches.
Adding to the daunting task is the memory of their joint-heaviest defeat in club history, a 9-0 hammering by Leicester at St. Mary’s back in October 2019. While a repeat of that scoreline is unlikely, Southampton will be keen to avoid another humiliating defeat.
Leicester’s Opportunity for Back-to-Back Wins
Leicester City head to St. Mary’s with a chance to build on their first win of the season, which came before the international break against Bournemouth.
The Foxes secured a 1-0 victory at home, and boss Steve Cooper was pleased with his side’s defensive performance, something they’ll need to replicate if they are to claim back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since February 2023.
Despite their recent win, Leicester’s away form has been a concern. They have managed just one victory in their last 14 top-flight matches on the road (D4, L9).
During this run, the Foxes have struggled defensively, conceding at least two goals in 10 of those games. However, they will take confidence from their previous successes against Southampton, including a 1-0 win at this venue in March 2023.
Key Players to Watch
Cameron Archer (Southampton)
Archer was on the scoresheet in Southampton’s 4-1 defeat against Arsenal before the international break.
The young forward has a knack for finding the net in the latter stages of games, with five of his last six goals arriving after half-time. His presence could be crucial if the Saints are to turn their fortunes around.
Facundo Buonanotte (Leicester City)
Buonanotte has been a bright spark for Leicester, often making an impact early in matches. Six of his seven goals in English football have come before the break, underlining his ability to set the tone for the Foxes. If Leicester are to grab another win, Buonanotte’s early contributions could be key.
Conclusion
Southampton will be desperate to claim their first Premier League win of the season, but their recent history against Leicester, coupled with their current form, suggests that this could be a tough task.
Leicester, buoyed by their victory over Bournemouth, will be eyeing an opportunity to secure consecutive wins and further deepen Southampton’s woes. However, their defensive struggles on the road could make this an open and competitive contest.
Prediction: Leicester to edge a narrow victory, with Southampton showing more fight but ultimately coming up short against a Leicester side that has the momentum and a strong recent record against the Saints.
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