Leicester City take on Southampton at St Mary’s on Saturday with both sides looking to continue their strong starts to the Premier League season.
Read Leicester’s Connor McDonagh provides us with an opposition view, giving his thoughts on his own side, Southampton and what to expect on Saturday.
How would you rate Leicester’s start to the season?
Leicester’s start to the season has been fantastic, much better than anyone could have anticipated. We have continued where we left off at the end of last season and we are looking very strong. Offensively we have been as good as anyone in the league which is promising but we need to improve defensively if we are to finish in the top 10.
How good of a job has Ranieri done so far, given your struggles last term?
Ranieri has done a fantastic job so far. He may not have won many trophies throughout his career but the job he has done at various clubs, including Chelsea, has been fantastic. He has stuck with a similar style of play to last season – where we won seven of the remaining nine Premier League matches under Pearson. Ranieri’s ability to tinker and change the game tactically mid-way through matches has been important as we have had several comebacks this season against Aston Villa and Stoke – coming from two goals down in both matches.
How do you view Southampton as a club?
Southampton are a fantastic club. I admire the way their youth academy and the quality of players they bring through. The likes of Theo Walcott, Gareth Bale and Luke Shaw prove this.In terms of this season, I see Southampton not capable of finish in the top six but are in a battle with Crystal Palace, Swansea, Stoke and maybe even Leicester for seventh.
Who should Southampton be wary of?
Leicester have a lot of threats across the pitch. Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez are the obvious choices. Vardy is the league’s top scorer with seven goals. He was underutilized for England thus I expect him to be back on form on Saturday, in a team which uses his strengths properly.
Who are you not looking forward to playing against?
Graziano Pellè. He has been in fantastic form this season. He has the ability to bully our leaky defence and I expect him to get on the scoresheet on Saturday.
How do you think the game will go and what is your score prediction?
Both sides are in good form but I have a feeling Southampton will take all three points. Leicester do not have a good record at St Mary’s and home advantage will be very important.
Southampton 2-0 Leicester
I would like to thank Connor for taking the time to speak to us and wish Leicester well for the rest of the season, after Saturday that is.
Do you agree with his score prediction? Leave yours in the comments down below.
