Duelling of two relegated teams from the Premier League

Southampton and Leicester were both relegated from the Premier League last season. Consequently, there is no need to discuss their ambitions this season. There is no doubt that the Championship is considered one of the toughest leagues in the world, but still, both have a lot of quality.

So far, both teams have also shown what they are made of. The Southampton vs Leicester prediction from the bookmakers shows that the bettors see the hosts slightly ahead. Southampton has played very attractive soccer so far, but has also allowed a lot defensively. This is where the Foxes can probably start.

It could be an open exchange, both teams will try to get their game through. Therefore, our Southampton vs Leicester tip is that both teams will score.

Southampton – Statistics & current form

A lot of things changed at Southampton FC in the summer. The club hired Russell Martin as a new coach, sold one or two interesting players like Romeo Lavia and realigned. Players such as Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Shea Charles, Ross Stewart and Flynn Downes were added. The team was rejuvenated and can grow together, as it is definitely homogeneous in composition. But some residual doubts remain.

After all, the yield before the international phase was not ideal. Five games and ten points seem rock solid at first, and most of the games were, but the 0:5 loss at AFC Sunderland before the break made negative headlines. No team in the entire Championship has now conceded more goals than Southampton, namely twelve in five games.

That’s why it’s somewhat curious that the Saints can be found in the upper reaches of the table. The objective is now clear, the next game should be won at all costs so that Leicester can be overtaken. To finish ahead of the Foxes after six games would be a decent achievement. However, the many goals conceded recently could have put a dent in the team’s self-confidence.

Southampton need to improve in balance

22 goals have been scored in the five Championship games in which Southampton have been on the pitch. That record speaks to spectacle, but that’s not really what a team wants, especially after major upheaval. Structures in the game against the ball are still lacking, and the defense must avoid individual mistakes. After all, there were only two defeats in seven games recently; before that, the record looked much weaker – not surprising for a team relegated from the top flight.

One factor in the relegation season was the home record. The Saints were worse on the road at home than away, scoring just 0.58 points per game on average. Two wins from 19 home games in the preseason marked an abysmal record that should and must be improved in the new season.

The Saints will focus on their offensive approach and try to challenge Leicester through it. Due to the conditions of both teams, before the match Southampton vs. Leicester, our prediction is that both teams will come to the goal.

Predicted lineup of Southampton:

Southampton (Expected lineup) 4-3-3

Leicester – statistics & current form

Leicester City wants to make the direct re-promotion and has already so formulated in the preparation for the new season. Enzo Maresca is the new coach, some important players were transferred. The quality that is missing due to the transfers of Barnes, Maddison, Telemanns or Castagne is immense. Nevertheless, the initial phase showed that the newcomers around Doyle, Coady, Casadei and Winks can also play a good role.

Compared to Southampton, everything is already a bit more structured at the Foxes. The team has been able to show decent approaches in the game forward, was defensively also very passable on the road, conceded only four goals. In addition, four of the five games this season were won, which is also a clear sign. Leicester should be reckoned with in the fight for the promotion places.

In recent games, a 3-4-3 system has been established, but it still has some weaknesses. For example, the Foxes were unable to win against Hull City and were beaten 1-0. But a team learns from such defeats, and there was plenty of time for analysis. A new series is now to come!

Leicester wants to set a sign

It was noticeable so far that a clear signature could be seen. While the Saints are still a bit in the discovery phase, it looks absolutely the opposite with Leicester. The Foxes seem clear-headed, know the routines, have won seven of their last eight games, and travel to St. Mary’s Stadium with a broad chest. A win would be a sign to the competition that the Foxes are not to be trifled with.

Leicester had some problems away from home during the relegation season, while the Saints have shown better form offensively this season than last. That’s one of the reasons why our value tip before the Southampton vs Leicester match is that the home side will not lose and will score more than 1.5 goals in the match.

Predicted Leicester lineup:

Leicester (Expected lineup) 4-3-3

Southampton – Leicester Direct comparison / H2H balance

The direct comparison between the two teams is still relatively even, although they played against each other in 98 duels. 36 times Southampton managed to walk off the pitch as winners, the Foxes won 31 matches, 30 games ended in a draw. In both team’s relegation season, the Saints managed to pick up six points, but that didn’t help the team in the end.

Southampton – Leicester Tip

Southampton has the home advantage, which may not even be the big advantage given their performances at St. Mary’s last season. The home side will be looking to improve defensively and take a step forward again, having conceded twelve goals so far.

In any case, not too much separates the two individually. Therefore, ahead of the Southampton vs Leicester match, we play the betting odds that both teams will score.