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St Mary’s stadium will play host to a fixture of former Premier League calibre, as Southampton host Leeds United in the Championship on Saturday afternoon.
Kick off will come at 12:30 for the two freshly relegated sides, who will be familiar with each other’s game after battling in the top-flight last season.
Southampton vs Leeds United predicted lineups and news
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The last time the two sides met was in February, when Leeds were victorious over the Saints at Elland Road as the two fought for survival in the Premier League.
The Whites’ win gave them the advantage over the Saints in terms of head-to-head in the 2022/23 campaign, after the two clubs drew 2-2 at St Mary’s at the start of the season in August 2022.
Both side’s look very different to how they did in the top-tier, with a monumental change of personnel for both squads, and both club’s with new managers at the helm.
Team news: Southampton
Southampton have not started the 2023/24 Championship campaign as they had perhaps desired, having lost their previous four games in the league, seeing them drop down the 15th in the table.
Russell Martin’s side epitomised their start to the season last time out, losing 2-1 to Middlesbrough away from home after taking the lead in the first half.
The hosts had a response for the opener, whereas the Saints had no reply to their comeback, recording their fourth loss from their opening eight games, where they conceded eleven goals in their previous four.
💬Russell Martin: “Four defeats in a row is not easy but we had a choice to come in and attack everything. I’ve really enjoyed this week.”#saintsfc
[echo] pic.twitter.com/eIdUT1UgD7— Southampton FC Updates (@TheSaintCentre) September 29, 2023
On the injury front, defender Jack Stephens will be out of contention due to an ongoing issue, while Ross Stewart continues to wait for his debut following his summer transfer.
Southampton predicted lineup
Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Manning; Downes, Smallbone, S Armstrong; A Armstrong, Adams, Edozie
Team news: Leeds United
Despite being away from home on Saturday afternoon, Leeds will be confident of their chances after putting on an impressive display in their previous league fixture against Watford.
Daniel Farke’s side won 3-0 against the Hornets at Elland Road to claim their third win of the season, after dropping points against Hull City the game before where they were held to a 0-0 draw.
Farke’s squad that won against Watford will be available for contention against the Saints, suggesting an unchanged side, which is a relief to the manager as his squad continues to battle on the injury front.
Wilfried Gnonto has been in fine form since his change of heart after the transfer window, where it looked certain that the young Italian would depart, however he continues his time on the sidelines due to injury.
Gnonto joins Patrick Bamford, Djed Spence, Stuart Dallas and Junior Firpo as those that will be absent this weekend.
Leeds United predicted lineup
Meslier; Ayling, Struijk, Cooper, Byram; Ampadu, Kamara; James, Piroe, Summerville; Rutter
Will Joel Piroe continue his fine form?
Leeds struck gold by snatching striker Joel Piroe from Swansea City in the summer, as the forward has been in formidable form since making the switch.
The 24-year-old has scored four goals in his opening five Championship appearances for the Whites, including a goal last time out against Watford.
The Dutchman will be licking his lips when he reviews Saints’ poor defensive form, as he continues to search for more goals in what could be a successful season to come for the former PSV player.
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