With relegation looking more and more likely by the week, Southampton have some serious work to do if they are to retain their top flight status.
Saints travel to Leicester on Thursday, knowing defeat would pile even more pressure on Mark Hughes’ side, who currently sit five points adrift of safety.
Leicester have become a bit stagnant under Claude Puel as of late, with last week’s defeat at Burnley giving the Clarets a nine point advantage in the race for European football next season.
Southampton were defeated 3-2 by Chelsea on Saturday, having had a two-goal advantage for 70 minutes, but an eight-minute defensive capitulation saw an Olivier Giroud double and an effort from Eden Hazard hand Chelsea the points.
Hughes and the team will know they have to bounce back to stand any chance of survival. But who should we be most wary of?
Jamie Vardy
Leicester’s two key players are Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez, with Southampton needing to keep these two quiet if we are to get anything from the match.
The reason I chose Vardy is simply down to our defensive frailties as of late. With Jack Stephens suspended, the defence will need to step up to thwart any of the Foxes’ attacks.
On too many occasions this season, Southampton have conceded soft goals which have cost us too many points that we can afford. So now, with five games to go, our back line will need to be on top of their game and boost our chances of remaining a top flight club.
