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Recommended bets
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Match preview
It’s a battle of the Premier League’s bottom two so, stating the obvious here, both clubs desperately need a win.
Leeds United kick off one place and one point better off, and are in possession of a new manager, something their visitors cannot boast.
On Tuesday, Javi Gracia was unveiled as Leeds’ new boss, this coming over a fortnight after Jesse Marsch’s sacking.
Gracia did an excellent job at both Málaga and Watford, leading the Hornets to 11th and an FA Cup Final, but things did not go quite so well at Valencia more-recently.
The Spaniard takes over a team still seeking their first Premier League win since 5 November, having accumulated just four points from ten outings since then.
Last weekend, led by Michael Skubala, Leeds were beaten 1-0 at Goodison Park by relegation-rivals Everton.
The same can be certainly be said about Southampton who, despite a memorable victory this time last week, remain rock bottom of the table.
Nathan Jones was finally sacked a fortnight ago, having lost seven of his eight league games at the helm.
So then, led by a very suave looking Rubén Sellés, the Saints sprung a big surprise last weekend, beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
James Ward-Prowse with the only goal, coming in first half stoppage time, via a trademark free-kick.
The Saints have beaten Chelsea home and away this season, achieving this for the first time since 1988, the only problem being that these account for 40% of this year’s league victories.
Looking ahead, Southampton haven’t won a top-flight match at Elland Road since 1998; David Hirst the only scorer that day.
So, which club will claim three precious points that, potentially, take them out of the relegation zone?
Leeds United team news
Given that this is Javi Gracia’s first game in charge, it’ll be interesting to see what he changes.
With Marc Roca out injured, USA duo Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie are likely to continue at the base of midfield.
Rasmus Kristensen, who came on at half time for Max Wöber at Goodison, may start at right-back this time.
Club-record signing Georginio Rutter is still awaiting his first start, so will be hoping to come in for Patrick Bamford.
If Leeds are going to survive, they need Crysencio Summerville and Wilfied Gnonto to rediscover the form they both showed earlier this season.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Meslier; Kristensen, Koch, Cooper, Firpo; McKennie, Adams, Summerville, Aaronson, Gnonto; Rutter.
Southampton team news
Having won at Stamford Bridge last weekend, there’s little reason for Rubén Sellés to chance too much.
The interim manager switched to the 4-2-2-2 favoured by Ralph Hasenhüttl and this seemed to do the trick.
Deadline day signings Kamaldeen Sulemana and Paul Onuachu led the line; one is really fast, the other is really tall… yes it’s a simple as that.
At the back, Mohammed Salisu and Duje Ćaleta-Car are injured, meaning Armel Bella-Kotchap’s return to fitness is timely.
Predicted XI (4-5-1): Bazunu; Maitland-Niles, Bednark, Bella-Kotchap, Perraud; Lavia, Ward-Prowse, Elyounoussi, Armstrong; Sulemana, Onuachu.
Leeds United vs Southampton: Head to head statistics
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Premier League table
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