England Premier League
Saturday 2nd April 2022
Kick off at 3pm BST
Venue: Elland Road
Match Preview:
Just for a moment it looked as if the appointment of Jesse Marsch to replaced the sacked Marcelo Bielsa was not going to be the most inspired choice. The American lost his first two games in charge and not much seemed to have changed other than the 1-0 defeat against Leicester which had at least pointed to a future where Leeds were losing but not conceding so many goals. The club have shipped the most so far with 67 goals so shoring up the defence was of priority. But football moves quick and Leeds have won their last two games beating Norwich but it is the Wolves result that impresses the most. Not only were Leeds away from home but they came back from two goals down with just under 30 minutes left to win 3-2.
So it is fair to say that Leeds come into this game happy and the mood in the camp should be very positive. The club are 7 points ahead of the bottom three though have played a game extra but for now they are looking like they will survive. The victory over Norwich ended a 4 game losing streak at home but the club still have the fifth to worst record at home.
Southampton are in 11th and with 35 points they will be safe, the problem as it has been in the last few weeks is that they are too far from a European finish so the air feels like it has been punctuated out of the balloon. The Saints have lost their last 3 games and all to sides below them and their latest defeat came against relegation threatened Watford. Still Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side are only a point from a top half finish which would be impressive but away from home the club have lost 50% of their games.
Team News:
Leeds: Patrick Bamford has another foot injury and will miss the next six weeks. Lewis Bate has a knock and is touch and go to be ready for selection. Illan Meslier should be fine to play after a recent hip injury. Junior Firpo is not expected back until next week as is Leo Fuhr Hjelde who is recovering from a knee injury. Jamie Shackleton is out for another three weeks with a calf injury.
Southampton: Alex McCarthy has recovered from injury but a lack of match fitness means he could well miss this game and not be ready for selection until next week. Lyanco has a hamstring injury and is out for at least another month.
Leeds vs Southampton Head to Head:
Last season Leeds won this game 3-0.
Leeds have won 3 of the last four meetings against Southampton.
Southampton have not beaten Leeds away from home since 2012.
There is a 60% chance to see under 2.5 goals.
Leeds vs Southampton Prediction:
The injuries are mounting up for Leeds and this would be a major problem for most clubs but you get a sense that Leeds have actually become used to the situation. Patrick Bamford who has been missing for most of the season will now probably miss the rest of it but Leeds have had to adapt and we have seen that in their last two games under Marsch. Bielsa will be missed but perhaps Leeds have made the right choice at the right time.
For Southampton they will play to win, they are professionals but this is a club who come into this game with little motivation, Leeds will have survival on their mind and trying to make it 3 wins in a row would be significant for them. Leeds also have a very good recent record over the Saints so for us this is a home win but with the draw covered on the refund.
Leeds vs Southampton Betting Tips:
Draw no bet (Leeds) at 1.80
Anytime goalscorer: Raphinha at 2.50
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