Michael Owen predicts outcome of Leeds United v Southampton
Michael Owen firmly believes that Leeds United have given themselves a chance of securing Premier League safety, but he doesn’t think they can pick up a win against Southampton on Saturday (02 April).
The Whites are heading into this game on the back of a 3-2 win against Wolves where Luke Ayling scored a dramatic late goal to seal all three points.
In his BetVictor predictions, Owen thinks that Southampton will look for a response here and will pick up a 1-0 win at Elland Road while he also suggested that he may have changed his mind about the Whites’ survival hopes.
“What a massive couple of wins that was for Leeds, and for Jesse Marsch. Two last-minute winners, the atmosphere around the team must be brilliant now,” said Owen to BetVictor.
“I worried for Leeds a month or so ago, but they’ve given themselves a real chance of safety now.
“Southampton didn’t play badly in the FA Cup defeat to Man City. City were just more clinical on the day and the score line probably flattered them. Ralph Hasenhüttl will want a response here.
“Southampton’s form in 2022 has been superb. I can see them upsetting Leeds here and getting a 1-0 win.”
Three in a row?
It’s not always easy to pick up the tempo straight after the international break, but desperate situations require desperate measures.
Leeds must make the best use of the home atmosphere which is expected to be electrifying as usual.
After securing two dramatic victories, the mantra for Leeds will be to pick up three points at any cost – the result matters now, and the performance can be analysed later.
The Whites are fighting for survival this season and every point matters.
Leeds have shown signs of improvement under their new boss, especially in maintaining a solid defensive shape. However, these are early days for Marsch, but he will be boosted by the return of Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper.
The Whites have played 30 games already, three more than Everton, so there is a chance that the Toffees can leapfrog them in the table. However, the focus should be on picking three points.
In other Leeds United news, Jesse Marsch has a scouting meeting next week with Victor Orta with a new striker likely on the agenda.