Romeo Lavia Southampton Saints FC
Southampton Saints FC

Southampton have made a really poor start to their Premier League campaign, failing to win even a single game so far.

Before the international break, the Saints lost 3-1 to Chelsea and next up, they take on Leeds United – a game which is set to be another challenge for the manager.

Southampton are currently 17th on the table with four points and they have failed to pick up a win in their previous seven Premier League matches.

Leeds United are one of those sides whose game plan might be predictable but no one knows how will they perform on a given day.

They themselves picked up their first win of the season by beating Watford before the international break, so securing all three points is certainly not a pipe dream for Hassenhutl’s side.

Having said that, the Saints are really low in confidence going into this Saturday’s game and to make matters more complicated, they will be without James Ward-Prowse. This is one of the games which is very difficult to predict as both teams are pretty evenly matched.

Southampton team news vs Leeds United:

The defensive line is not likely to see a change this weekend with Salisu and Bednarek pairing up in central defence. Walker-Peters and Livramento will be the two full-backs.

James Ward-Prowse is suspended for Southampton after his red card against Chelsea and Southampton just do not know how to play without him.

He’s been one of the constant figures in midfield for the Saints having not missed a game since the 18/19 season. But now that he is absent, Hassenhuttl will have to use Ibrahima Diallo and Romeu in central midfield.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Southampton FC (@southamptonfc)


Walcott and Tella were the two other midfielders in that loss vs Chelsea but this time around we expect the manager to bring in Elyounoussi in place of Tella.

Adam Armstrong and Nathan Redmond paired up up-front against Chelsea as Che Adams watched from the bench. The Southampton boss is going to have to use this very same arrangement against Leeds United as well since Che Adams picked up an injury while on international duty.

Apart from Adams, William Smallbone and Jack Stephens are the other absentees for Southampton.

Southampton predicted line up vs Leeds United:

Predicted Line up: McCarthy; Bednarek, Salisu, Walker-Peters, Livramento; Romeu, Theo Walcott, Elyounoussi, Diallo; Redmond, Adam Armstrong.

Southampton predicted line up vs Leeds United

Injury updates via Premier Injuries.

Read: Which players are Newcastle United expected to sign during the January transfer window?

Read: 5 managers who could replace Steve Bruce at Newcastle United.