Leicester City vs Southampton Prediction and Preview – 03/04/16
Premier League preview – Leicester City vs Southampton prediction.
Reports that Kasper Schmeichel got injured on international duty proved to be unfounded and the Dane will take his place between the sticks for Leicester against Southampton on Sunday. Claudio Ranieri will be able to name a full-strength side with all his key players fit for action. Midfielder Andy King could make the bench after treatment on his hamstring while Matthew James’ hopes of representing his club this season are getting closer following his return to training.
Southampton full-back Ryan Bertrand was unable to join the England squad because of a knee injury and is doubtful for the trip to Leicester. Graziano Pelle was an unused sub for Italy and is likely to pair up with Shane Long in attack. Charlie Austin’s return could be delayed amid rumours he has picked up an knee injury. Spanish winger Jay Rodriguez has recovered from the foot injury which has seen him sidelined since October and is pushing for inclusion after working on his match fitness with the U-21 side.
Possible Line-ups
Leicester City 4-4-2 formation: Schmeichel; Simpson, Morgan, Huth, Fuchs; Mahrez, Drinkwater, Kante, Albrighton; Vardy, Okazaki
Southampton 4-4-2 formation: Forster; Soares, van Djik, Fonte, Targett; Tadic, Romeu, Clasie, Davis; Long, Pelle
Statistics
- Leicester City have won 7 drawn 1 and lost 2 of their last 10 matches
- Southampton have won 6 drawn 2 and lost 2 of their last 10 matches
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Leicester City have scored an average of 1.5 goals and conceded an average of 0.7 goals per game
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Southampton have scored an average of 1.3 goals and conceded an average of 0.8 goals per game
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 4 of Leicester City’s previous 10 matches
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 4 of Southampton’s previous 10 matches
Prediction
Despite the plaudits aimed at Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez it is Leicester’s brave defence that has been key to maintaining their lead in the title race of late. The Foxes have kept clean sheets in four of the last five games enabling them to secure three points by the narrowest of margins each time. Leicester have only lost once at home in the league this season, against Arsenal back in September, and have only conceded two goals (2-2 draw v West Brom) in the last seven home games.
Southampton arrive on the back to successive wins at Stoke and at home to Liverpool last time. The Saints are in with a chance of qualifying for Europe and even an outside chance of the Champions League as they are only four points behind Manchester United in fourth. Koeman’s men suffered back-to-back defeats against Chelsea and Bournemouth at the end of February/beginning of March but are otherwise undefeated in 10 games before and since.
Leicester are showing little sign of nerves as they close in on the Premier League title and can go one step closer to realising the dream with a victory against Southampton.
Tips
Leicester to win at 5/4 with bet365
Under 2.5 goals at 71/100 with Marathonbet
Leicester to win 1-0 at 13/2 with BetVictor
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