Southampton FC
Leeds United
Leeds United
In form teams Southampton and Leeds clash with Whites aiming to hold onto top half spot
Leeds to win 2-1
As the end of the season is almost upon us, many of the matches taking place have little or nothing riding on them, with teams either already secure or with little hope of bettering their position.
While that may be the case for both Southampton and Leeds, they are also two sides in good form right now, banishing previous defensive sensitivities and winning their last two matches, scoring 13 goals combined.
For Southampton, it is a much-needed return to form after what has been a dreadfully difficult second half of the season, losing an unprecedented eight times from nine games. While a 14th place finish won’t be quite enough to satisfy their supporters, it should set them up well for next season.
Leeds are enjoying their best unbeaten run of the season, with a single defeat to Brighton the only result to blot their last nine fixtures. They now seem set for a top 10 finish.
Form Guide (all comps): LDLWW
Reasons to be cheerful:
Achieved back-to-back victories for the first time since December
Scored six goals in last two games
Reasons to be fearful:
Thrashed 3-0 by Leeds earlier in the season
Bednarek probably misses out to injury once again
Although it never seemed likely that Southampton would have been relegated, it will come as a relief to anyone involved with the club that they have managed to turn around their form before the end of the season.
Often, a good run towards the end of a campaign can set a side up well for the start of next season. The Saints finish their campaign against Leeds and West Ham, two top half sides, and will see it as a good challenge to test themselves.
Their last two victories came against two lower half teams, so this will certainly be a step up for them.
The return of Danny Ings up front has not only boosted his own goals tally, but also the performance levels of those around him. Che Adams is one who has flourished playing alongside the England striker this season.
Star Man – Che Adams
The Scottish forward has played brilliantly for most of the season, and scored in the last game against Fulham.
Form Guide (all comps): DDLWW
Reasons to be cheerful:
Return of injured players has given Bielsa a positive selection headache
Appear to be winning their top half fight
Reasons to be fearful:
Have only won three on the bounce once before this season
Drawn two of their last three home games
Leeds’ first season back in the Premier League couldn’t have gone any better in the eyes of their fans, taking 53 points from their 36 games, including taking points off the likes of Man City, Man United, Liverpool and Chelsea.
They’ve even pushed on into the top half of the table following their recent run of good form, picking up 18 points from the last 27 available to them.
The return of both Rodrigo and Raphinha has been an added bonus to Leeds manager Bielsa, with both involved in the 4-0 win over Burnley in the last game.
With Southampton and West Brom to face at the end of the season, both lower half teams, Leeds will feel confident they can finish with a bang.
Star Man – Raphinha
The Brazilian has been instrumental in Leeds’ attacking play this season. His return should ensure the club has a positive finish to the campaign.
Should be an open, attacking game
Both teams to score
Leeds slight favourites
With both teams in good attacking form right now, the hope is that we see a good, free-flowing game of football here.
The difference between the two teams is their defence. Leeds have been beaten just once in the last nine games, while there are still questions about the Saints back line.
For this reason, Leeds are slight favourites, but we should see an attractive game here.
Leeds to win 2-1
