Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United side return from the international break with a trip to Southampton on Saturday afternoon, in the Premier League.

The Whites will be looking to put back-to-back wins together for the first time this season, after claiming all three points last time out at home to Watford.

The Saints will be aiming to secure their first win of the season, having only tasted victory so far in the Carabao Cup, back in August, with an eight-goal thumping of Newport County. That was followed up in the next round with a penalty shoot-out win over Sheffield United.

From their three home matches up to this point, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have drawn two and lost once. Prior to the international break, a 3-1 loss at Chelsea has extended their winless run in the league to seven games.

The loss at Chelsea also had a key moment, when inspirational captain and top-scorer this season, James Ward-Prowse was dismissed, meaning he is suspended for the clash this weekend.

Last season, Leeds won both matches in two entertaining encounters, meaning they go into this fixture with a three-match winning run of the St Mary’s based side. A 3-0 win at Elland Road in February of this year was followed up with a 0-2 win away from home, in the final away match of the campaign, which also saw the return of fans.

In total, the Whites have recorded 14 Premier League victories against Southampton, Leeds' most against one club.

A win for Leeds - depending on results elsewhere - could see them go as high as 12th in the standings. A win for Southampton could take them up to 14th.

A moment to remember:

🤯 "They wouldn't dare win it!"
From 3-0 down, Liam Miller completed a 4-3 win over the Saints in 2005! What's your favourite #LUFC comeback? pic.twitter.com/iQnE9B4Fq3

— Leeds United (@LUFC) May 18, 2021

Manager/head coach:

Saints: Ralph Hasenhüttl

Leeds: Marcelo Bielsa

What Marcelo Bielsa said, ahead of the match:

““What we are absolutely sure of, is that Southampton is going to be a very difficult opponent to overcome.”



League position:

Saints: 17th

Leeds: 16th

Premier League form:

Saints: DDDLL

Leeds: DLDLW

Top scorer:

Saints: James Ward-Prowse (2)

Leeds: Raphinha (3)

Head to head:

Saints wins: 27

Draws: 20

Leeds wins: 47

Last win against Southampton:

Tuesday 18th May, 2021

Premier League

Southampton 0

Leeds United 2 (Bamford 73’, Roberts 90’)

🎯 "What a moment! Tyler Roberts!" pic.twitter.com/CRaIcioiph

— Leeds United (@LUFC) May 19, 2021

Team news:

Marcelo Bielsa revealed, Luke Ayling, Patrick Bamford and Robin Koch will miss Saturday's trip.  Raphinha's inclusion depends on the number of minutes he plays for Brazil on Friday and his subsequent journey back to the UK.  Kalvin Phillips faces a late fitness test after missing the recent international fixtures with England, but Adam Forshaw and Crysencio Summerville are available.  For Southampton, captain James Ward-Prowse is suspended, whilst Che Adams is ruled out with a muscle injury, along with Jack Stephens.

Officials:

Referee- David Coote

Assistant Referee 1- Dan Cook

Assistant Referee 2- Nick Hopton

Fourth Official- John Brooks

Video Assistant Referee- Lee Mason

The key battle:

Adam Armstrong v Diego Llorente

Striker Armstrong hit 28 goals in the Sky Bet Championship last season for Blackburn Rovers.  This resulted in a summer move to Southampton, after Danny Ings left to join Aston Villa and he is looking to fill the void left by the England international.  Llorente will be up against the forward and after helping Leeds keep a first clean sheet in the Premier League last time out on his return from injury, he will be hoping for the same at St Mary's.



Latest odds:

Saints: 13/10

Draw: 13/5

Leeds: 19/10

How to watch:

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