Leicester City and Kasper Schmeichel are so far this season two points better than Southampton, a win and a defeat for City, a 0-0 draw at home to Burnley and a 1-2 defeat away to Everton is the results so far for Saints. Claude Puel is of course back at his old club meeting Mark Hughes who has been around in the Premier League for a while.
The only goal so far for Southampton was one from Danny Ings, on loan from Liverpool. The former Burnley and Bournemouth is back playing in a team in the Premier League. His time at Liverpool has been difficult with too much competition and heavy injury problems.
Leicester will certainly be without Jamie Vardy, who got a deserved red card when he made a terrible tackle on Mark Doherty in the game v. Wolves. In his absence it would be difficult to see any other than Kelechi Iheanacho taking his place.
Southampton are still without a win and a possible banana skin for Leicester City, and they are a side well equipped to Premier League standard. But believe that Leicester will be seen as a bit of a favorite. Mark Hughes will be under pressure if his side only have one point after three games.
Southampton will adapt to whatever opponent they are up against, but in their first two games they have been with the ball less than the opponent, 48 % v. Burnley and 40 % v. Everton. With that in mind, Leicester will probably have the ball and given a chance to play their game, but of course be aware of counter attacks.
From a fans point of view, those travelling will be satisfied with a point to take home, and to have four in the three first games will be good, a win, would of course be massive.
If you look at previous meetings against Southampton. The last four games, one win, two draws and a defeat. No wins away, but one draw. Goal score 4-4, two games ending 0-0, one heavy 3-0 defeat and a 4-1 win.
If you look at the latest news about injuries and suspension, you will see that Jamie Vardy will miss the game, out with a three match ban. Others who certainly will be out and not playing are Caglar Soyuncu and Matty James.
It was also reported that Wes Morgan had a minor problem in front of the Wolves game and therefor was on the bench. Southampton could be without their new faces, Vestergaard and Elyounoussi, they are both reported having injury problems.
Referee,
Jonathan Moss, will be in charge at St Mary’s
Best Bet,
Our prediction is a 1-1 draw.
Predicted Leicester City line-up,
System: 4-4-1-1, Schmeichel – Pereira, Maguire, Evans, Chilwell – Ndidi, Mendy, Albrighton, Gray – Maddison – Iheanacho
Fun Fact,
Former Leicester City legends Frank Worthington, Dennis Rofe and Peter Shilton was playing for Southampton in the 1983/84 season, ending as runners-up in the league just three points behind Liverpool.
In Both Camps,
Peter Shilton, Dennis Rofe and Frank Worthington, all in their 30’s, spent a number of years at The Dell, being there under the management of Lawrie McMenemy. Dean Hammond is also a player to mention, who is the last player to be transferred between the two clubs. Hammond played an important role at both clubs during promotion and relegation fight seasons.
Other players we remember are Peter Rodrigues, Dennis Wise, Tony Knapp, Ian Andrews, David Webb, Chris Makin, Steve Moran, Russell Osman and David Speedie
Current Leicester City manager Claude Puel and former boss Nigel Pearson both had Southampton as their last club before they took over Leicester City.
The big duel,
We would say that it is again between managers, Puel returning to St. Mary’s and Mark Hughes trying to get his first win of the season.
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