Sky Sports journalist shares ‘licking their lips’ verdict ahead of Leeds United clash v Southampton
The Leeds United attackers will be “licking their lips” at the idea of running at the Southampton defence, according to Sky Sports EFL Editor Simeon Gholam.
The Whites travel to St Mary’s to take on the Saints in the Championship on Saturday (30 September), with Daniel Farke’s side currently sixth in the table as Russell Martin’s Southampton sit 15th.
Both clubs were relegated from the Premier League last season, with the Saints having finished rock bottom as Leeds went down in 19th place.
“Russell Martin is feeling the heat,” Gholam wrote for Sky Sports (28 September). “Four defeats in a row for Southampton is nothing but a disaster in this league, and things need to improve quickly.
“It probably won’t help that Leeds United are the side pitching up at St Mary’s, with a fearsome forward line that will be licking their lips at the opportunity of exposing their shaky defence.”
Huge match
It is another huge match for both clubs, who will be keen on picking up all three points for very different reasons. The Saints have lost all four of their matches so far this month, slipping down the league standings in the process.
The Whites meanwhile have had a completely contrasting run of form, with Farke’s men unbeaten in their last six, with three wins and three draws.
They should be full of confidence going into the match due to their form at both ends of the pitch, with the West Yorkshire club scoring six goals and not conceding any in their last four games.
It is the visitors who have had the better time since both sides were relegated last season, but Southampton will want that all to change this weekend.
Even with the Saints at home in this one, the likes of Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter should have plenty of joy in the final third.
In other Leeds United news, a journalist has mooted further development for one Whites ace as a Marcus Thuram comparison is made.