
Southampton Super Fans previews Leeds United clash
This is part of a regular series from our panel of Super Fans on upcoming Leeds United games. Ahead of Saturday’s Premier League game against Southampton, we caught up with @JemScullySport, a Saints fan and Sports Broadcast Journalist.
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Leeds United resume Premier League action with a trip to Southampton today, and they will be keen to pick up their second victory of the campaign.
Marcelo Bielsa’s men headed into the international break on the back of a hard-fought 1-0 win against Watford, but the Saints will fancy their chances in front of their fans.
Southampton are yet to win in 2021-22 after the opening seven games of the campaign, drawing four and losing the other three.
Ahead of the six-pointer, we spoke to @JemScullySport, a Saints fan and Sports Broadcast Journalist, to gauge the mood amongst the away supporters.
What have you made of Leeds at the start of the season?
It hasn’t been the best start on paper, but the building blocks are certainly there for Leeds to have a good season.
Leeds’ start isn’t too dissimilar to that of Southampton’s, apart from the fact that Leeds have won a game and the Saints haven’t.
Who will cause you the biggest issues?
Heading into the game, I’m obviously wary of the attacking threat that Leeds can pose.
Raphinha could potentially cause us some problems, but at the time of writing, I’m unsure if he’s available.
Jack Harrison is also a player I really like and think he could prove crucial in the way Leeds look to perform.
What have you made of your start to the season?
On paper, it’s been really poor. But if you break down each game at a time and compare the results with the same fixtures from previous seasons.
With a few winnable games coming up, it’s critical that Southampton pick up points. A win against Leeds at the weekend would be huge!
Who should Leeds watch out for?
Southampton have been playing a variety of players in the same two/three systems, so the obvious dangers of Adam Armstrong running in behind, James Ward-Prowse is always a danger from a set-piece.
More importantly, Stuart Armstrong is set to be in contention, and I firmly believe, if he starts, he will have a massive impact on the game.
Is Ralph Hasenhuttl likely to make any big changes to the side?
I don’t think there will be any changes that will shock anyone. We currently have an abundance of good full back options, so it’s hard to predict who will play.
There’s also the added annoyance of the International Break and the injuries that come with it.
Che Adams is set to miss out, although the good form of Armando Broja, Mohamed Elynoussi and Moussa Djenepo could give Ralph some selections headaches.
Are there any particular weak links in the Southampton side you fear may get exposed?
Individual errors and lapses of focus often cost us in crucial moments in the game.
It has to be said that going forward we have similar issues in the fact that we can’t put it in the back of the net!
Score prediction/what type of game will we see?
I hate writing down score predictions, but I’m going safe and saying 1-1.
I believe it’s going to be an exciting game for the neutrals , but also a chance to see two well-drilled teams battle it out in their respective systems.
In other Leeds United news, Whites owner Radrizzani has made a request after major £300m development at PL club.