HomeFeatured ArticlesLeicester City Vs Southampton Preview | Team News, Stats & Key Men

Leicester City Vs Southampton Preview | Team News, Stats & Key Men

Title chasing Leicester City host European football hopefuls Southampton on Sunday in what can be termed as the match of the weekend in the English Premier League. While Southampton come into the game on the back of an impressive come from behind victory against Liverpool, Leicester come into the game with an incredible 5 points lead over the 2nd placed Tottenham with just 7 games left. They have garnered an impressive 13 points in the last 6 games and would be keen to further the gap at the top of the table.

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Team News

Leicester City

Leicester City fans would be heaving a sigh of relief since Kasper Schmeichel has been declared fit to feature in the game despite picking up a minor injury while on national duty. The Leicester number one has been an integral part of the side and his absence could have cost the team dearly. However, the side will be without Jeff Schlupp who is sidelined with a Knee injury

Possible Line-Up

Schmeichel, Simpson, Morgan, Huth, Fuchs, Nahrez, Drinkwater, Kante, Albrighton, Okazaki, Vardy

Southampton

Ronald Koeman could be without the services of Shane Long who suffered a Knee injury while featuring for the Republic of Ireland over the internationals weekend while Left-back Ryan Bertrand is set to feature after recovering from the calf injury he suffered against Liverpool

Possible Line-Up

Forster, Martina, Van Djik, Fonte, Bertrand, Clasie, Wanyama, Davis, Mane, Tadic, Pelle

Key Men

Riyad Mahrez

With 16 goals and 11 assists so far this season, the Algerian playmaker has been in sublime form for the Foxes, splitting up defences at will and in the process making the side a lethal attacking unit. With an able folly in Jamie Vardy, Mahrez has been able to bring out the best of his abilities throughout the season.

The plans of opposition manager Ronald Koeman will largely feature around silencing the marauding duo of Vardy and Mahrez. However, the duo have been largely unbeatable and should they be afforded time and space to work in, it could have a devastating effect on Southampton.

Sadio Mane

The arrival of Sadio Mane in the 2nd half largely changed the fortunes of his side against Liverpool in a remarkable game. We believe he has earned enough merit to start the game against the leaders. With 5 goals and 6 assists so far, the Senegalese attacking midfielder has been one of the stars of the campaign for the Saint, one in which the side still harbours hope of European qualification.

He brings pace, trickery and goal scoring ability to the side and would prove to be a handful for the Foxes defence in a game that could severely test the nerves of many players and fans alike.

Interesting Fact

– Leicester City have won just one of their last 8 outings against the Saints drawing and losing 3. However, the Saints beat the Foxes last time in the 2004 season of the Premier League.

– Riyad Mahrez has scored 7 winning goals this season, more than any other player in the Premier League.

Prediction

While Southampton come on the back of an impressive win, Leicester City are in far better form and would prove to be a huge hurdle to get through. We predict a 1-0 win for the Foxes.

Aditya Upaadhyay
Aditya Upaadhyay
A masters in finance with a passion for football and an urge to work at the intersection of both.
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