Preview: Leeds United v Southampton

Leeds United are back in action on Saturday afternoon, as they take on Southampton at Elland Road in their 31st game of the 21/22 league campaign (3pm).

The Whites come into the match after two victories against Norwich City and Wolverhampton Wanderers, both of which were won with stoppage time goals to secure the three points, netted by Joe Gelhardt and Luke Ayling.

The Saints, like Leeds, have won two games from their last five, but that doesn’t tell the full story. The south coast outfit arrived in West Yorkshire having lost their last three, two of which were on home turf against Newcastle United and Watford.

🔥 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗨𝗽: 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗼𝗻
Rodrigo joins us on today’s show, as Rich and Dom preview the game https://t.co/qsi4bD5rHN

— Leeds United (@LUFC) April 2, 2022

Ralpha Hasenhuttl’s side have won just three times on the road this season from 14 outings, whilst Leeds have won four from 15 home matches. The Whites won both fixtures last year, a 3-0 win at home and a 2-0 win away, but the clash at St Mary’s this season was won by the hosts.

If the Saints can secure the three points on Saturday afternoon, it would be the first time they have completed a Premier League double over Leeds. Jesse Marsch’s side will be looking to preserve a strong home record against their opponents, having lost just eleven in 13 Premier League home matches against them.

Raphinha continues to lead the way on the scoring charts with nine goals to his name, whilst Rodrigo has now moved into joint second spot following his recent goals, level with Jack Harrison on five.

For Southampton, leading the charts is Scotland international Che Adams on seven. He has been backed up well this season by the impressive Armando Broja who has six, whilst set-piece specialist and England international James Ward-Prowse also has six goals to his name from him.

A win for Leeds could see them move above Newcastle United up to 14th in the league table, depending on results elsewhere. The Saints are continuing to aim for a top-half finish and three points for them could see progression to 9th in the standings, above both Leicester and Aston Villa.

The man in the middle will be Anthony Taylor, this weekend. The official has overseen 35 matches so far this season, across a number of both club and international competitions. In those games he has shown 141 yellow cards and six reds. Those clashes include one Leeds game – a 2-1 away win at Norwich – and two for the Saints, both of which were 1-1 draws, against Brighton and Tottenham.

Saturday’s clash has not been selected for television coverage within the UK. Live commentary is available as always through LUTV. Alternatively, stay right here on leedsunited.com for updates throughout the match.

Manager/head coach:

Leeds: Jesse Marchsch

Saints: Ralph Hasenhuttl

What has Jesse Marsch said, ahead of the match?

“I have watched a lot of their recent matches and I think they’ve been a bit unlucky to not do better in some of these matches. We’ve already talked a lot this week about Southampton and what to expect and what we want to look like.”

🎙 Jesse Marsch chats to the press, as his side prepares for Saturday’s clash with Southampton https://t.co/BXTY0eFXaI

— Leeds United (@LUFC) March 31, 2022

League position

Leeds: 16th

Saints-11th

Premier League form

Leeds: LLLWW

Saints: WWLLL

👊 Breakover! Ready for #LEESOU!#LUFC x @Boost_Drinks pic.twitter.com/eASauUC12A

— Leeds United (@LUFC) April 1, 2022

top scorer

Leeds: Raphinha (9)

Saints: Che Adams (7)

head to head

Leeds: 47

Draws: 20

Saints: 28

A memorable moment against Southampton…

🤯 Something special isn’t he? pic.twitter.com/8JwuWcclFo

— Leeds United (@LUFC) February 24, 2021

teamnews

Jesse Marsch has confirmed that Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper are fit enough to be involved after returning from injury, but possibly not both as starters. Raphinha will also return to the squad, but Patrick Bamford, Junior Firpo, Tyler Roberts and Leo Hjelde will be missing due to injury.

Ralph Hasenhuttl has confirmed that Will Smallbone, Oriol Romeu and Nathan Tella are all available for him to select, but Alex McCarthy and Lyanco are expected to still be out.

Officials

Referee – Anthony Taylor

Assistant Referee – Gary Beswick

Assistant Referee – Adam Nunn

Fourth Official – Robert Jones

Video Assistant Referee – Mike Dean

a key battle

Luke Ayling vs. Tino Livramento

Take a look at some key stats between two full-backs who like to get forward and help their teams in attacking phases, whilst also completing their defensive duties. An interesting battle awaits on either flank!

🔢 @LUFC host Southampton in the @premierleague this weekend!

We’ve compared the 21/22 stats of Luke Ayling and Tino Livramento ahead of the game. #LUFC #MOT @Duftons pic.twitter.com/vZtvDgxwck

— Leeds United StatZone (@lufcsz) March 29, 2022

latest odds

Leeds: 8/11

Draw: 5/13

Saints: 7/4

how to watch

The match has not been selected for television broadcast coverage within the UK. Live commentary is available as always on LUTV, with blog updates throughout, on leedsunited.com.