Leeds United vs Southampton
England - Premier League 2020-2021 Feb, 23rd 2021.

MATCH PREVIEW

United Struggling for Wins

Neither of these two clubs are setting the Premier League alight at present. They are both in the bottom half of the table with 12th placed Leeds, a place and two points ahead of Southampton. 

Leeds have had an inconsistent season but one that has never seen them that worried about relegation. At present they are ten points above the bottom three. However, they aren't that close to the European qualification places.

That could change if teams in the top four were to win the two domestic cup competitions. Seventh place might be good enough for the Europa League, so a strong finish by Leeds may reap rewards. To do that though, they need to get back into winning ways.

Their last two league games have both ended in defeat. A 4-2 loss at Arsenal was followed by a 1-0 defeat away at Wolves last Friday. That's the fourth time United have lost two straight league games this season. However, they are yet to lose three in a row.

The defeat at Wolves was a controversial one as VAR reared its ugly head again. That ended a run of five league games in a row in which they'd scored. Four of the last six have seen both teams score with six of the last nine having over 2.5 goals scored in them.

Leeds have only won four home league games this season. All of those victories have come against sides in the bottom half of the table. They had a recent loss at Elland Road to Brighton and Hove Albion, but this looks a fixture they could well win.  Their next three fixtures after this match are all against top eight sides, so three points here would be very helpful.

From Top to Bottom?

Aside from success in the FA Cup, 2021 hasn't been a great year for Southampton. The first half of their season was highly promising, even topping the table at one stage. It's all gone wrong since mid-December with only one win in 12 league games. That sole victory was a 1-0 home win over Liverpool but they have failed to build on that good win. They lost their next six Premier League fixtures (including that 9-0 thrashing at Old Trafford), before Saturday's home draw with Chelsea.

A form guide for the past ten league games has them rock bottom. In the actual table, they're 13th and eight points above the bottom three. A reasonably safe gap but with Fulham showing signs of revival, Southampton could do with a couple more wins. 

This is the first of three away games in their next four league fixtures. There's no reason to panic at present but more losses might just change that. They have gone five away league games without a win, earning just two points.

Only in one of the last four on the road have they managed to get on the scoresheet. To show how their form has collapsed, Southampton were unbeaten in seven away league games but have lost the last three with 14 goals conceded.

For anytime goalscorers, Southampton's Takumi Minamino has scored two in the last three league games and is worth a small wager. For Leeds, Patrick Bamford and Jack Harrison are good candidates. It's not easy to trust either of these two teams. Leeds have the home advantage and that may see them get a welcome win