After a rather eventful international break for Southampton and their players, The Saints prepare to take on a Leicester side that have impressed many this season so far due to their surprise start.
The Foxes are sitting pretty in 5th place in the Premier League after Claudio Ranieri’s superb beginning to life at Leicester, but a win for The Saints this Saturday could take them above Ranieri’s men on goal difference.
Leicester will be full of confidence after they sealed a crucial away win at Norwich before the international break, running out 2-1 winners thanks to goals from Jamie Vardy and Jeffrey Schlupp. However, Southampton too are coming back from the break with their heads held high after a historic 3-1 victory away at Chelsea last time round, with Steven Davis, Sadio Mane and Graziano Pelle all bagging goals for The Saints.
Ahead of the game, there is just one fresh injury concern for Southampton, in the form of Shane Long who picked up an injury whilst playing for the Republic of Ireland against Poland, meaning that the striker will be ruled out for up to 4 weeks. However, Jordy Clasie is set to return to the squad for the first time in a Premier League match after fully recovering from a hamstring injury he sustained in late August.For Leicester, however, it will be a last-minute check on the availability and fitness of the in-form Riyad Mahrez and Jeffrey Schlupp; who returned late from international duty from their respective countries. It will be a huge boost for Southampton if Mahrez does miss the game, given his form this season and his natural ability to cause any team problems. Although there are concerns over these two players, Nathan Dyer is set to make his return to Claudio Ranieri’s squad against his old team, Southampton after being confirmed fit after his knee injury.
A key part of Leicester’s success this season has been the free-scoring Jamie Vardy, who already has 7 Premier League goals to his name this campaign. The speedy striker’s form has earned him call ups to the England squad, but he is yet to find the net for his country. Southampton’s defence will need to be on top form on Saturday to restrict Jamie Vardy’s opportunities on goal, as it has been clear to see that he has the ability to hurt teams.
This therefore means that Southampton centre back, Virgil van Dijk will have a big task on his hands to deal with the Leicester man. Since his arrival from Celtic in the summer, the Dutchman has played every minute of domestic football for The Saints, and has barely put a foot wrong for Ronald Koeman’s side. In the form in which Jamie Vardy has been in as of late, the striker could prove to be van Dijk’s toughest test to date, but the Dutchman has all the credentials and ability to deal with Leicester’s threat and to shun out their attack.
A victory for Southampton could potentially take them as high as 4th, if results go their way, whereas Leicester could go 2nd if they manage to cause a surprise at St. Mary’s against a resilient Southampton side.
How do you think Southampton will get on against Leicester?
Comments.
Loading comments…