Two newly-promoted teams, Southampton and Leicester City, go head-to-head at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday afternoon, each seeking crucial points to improve their positions in the Premier League standings. Southampton comes into this fixture after a competitive yet disappointing 3-1 defeat to Arsenal, while Leicester finally ended their winless streak with a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth.
Match Preview
Southampton showed resilience at the Emirates against Arsenal but ultimately couldn’t hold on for an upset. Despite weathering an early storm from the Gunners and briefly taking the lead through Cameron Archer’s well-taken goal, the Saints’ joy was short-lived. Arsenal quickly responded with Kai Havertz leveling the score, followed by goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka to secure a comfortable win for the hosts.
The loss in North London keeps Southampton at 19th place, one of only four Premier League teams still searching for their first win this season. Alongside Ipswich Town, Crystal Palace, and bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Saints find themselves under mounting pressure. Head coach Russell Martin, while not facing immediate dismissal, will hope to avoid setting an unwanted club record of 21 top-flight games without a win.
Southampton’s tendency to dominate possession has not yet translated into effective attacking output. With just four goals scored so far, they hold the weakest offensive record in the Premier League this season.
Meanwhile, Leicester enters this match buoyed by their hard-fought win over Bournemouth, where Brighton loanee Facundo Buonanotte scored the decisive goal. That victory was their first league success since April and lifted them to 15th place, three points clear of the relegation zone. This was only Leicester’s third win in all competitions this season, with the others coming in the EFL Cup against Walsall and Tranmere Rovers.
Leicester has managed to score in every league game so far, sharing that distinction with only Arsenal and Manchester City. However, the Foxes remain winless away from home in 11 consecutive Premier League games, a streak dating back to February 2023, when they defeated Aston Villa 4-2. Securing another victory this weekend would mark the first time in over a year that Leicester wins back-to-back Premier League matches.
In their previous encounters last season, Leicester dominated Southampton across two Championship fixtures. A 4-1 win at St Mary’s was followed by a 5-0 rout at the King Power Stadium, where Abdul Fatawu starred with a hat-trick. With those results fresh in their minds, Leicester will look to continue their good form against the Saints.
Team Form
Southampton’s recent form (Premier League):
Loss – Loss – Loss – Draw – Loss – Loss
Southampton’s recent form (all competitions):
Loss – Loss – Win – Draw – Loss – Loss
Leicester City’s recent form (Premier League):
Loss – Loss – Draw – Draw – Loss – Win
Leicester City’s recent form (all competitions):
Loss – Draw – Draw – Win – Loss – Win
Team News
Southampton will again be without experienced defender Jack Stephens, who serves the second game of a two-match ban for using abusive language toward officials. This suspension came after he had already completed a three-game ban following a red card against Manchester United. The Saints will also miss striker Ross Stewart, who suffered a muscle injury during the Arsenal game. Although Martin confirmed Stewart’s absence for this weekend, the manager provided some positive news as both Kamaldeen Sulemana (ankle) and Will Smallbone (thigh) have returned to fitness and are available for selection.
Yukinari Sugawara, who picked up a knock during the Arsenal match, managed to join Japan’s squad for the international break and is expected to be fit for Saturday’s clash. Gavin Bazunu, however, remains sidelined with an Achilles injury.
Leicester’s injury situation remains largely unchanged. Manager Steve Cooper confirmed that Jannik Vestergaard is ready for a domestic return after gaining match fitness with the Danish national team. Patson Daka and Jakub Stolarczyk are still recovering from ankle injuries, while Hamza Choudhury faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder earlier in October.
Jamie Vardy, Leicester’s talisman, will be eager to extend his impressive record against Southampton. Vardy has contributed to 12 goals against the Saints in league play, scoring eight and providing four assists – his best return against any single opponent.
Predicted Lineups
Southampton Starting XI (3-5-2):
Goalkeeper: Ramsdale
Defenders: Bednarek, Harwood-Bellis, Walker-Peters
Midfielders: Sugawara, Aribo, Fernandes, Downes, Manning
Forwards: Dibling, Archer
Russell Martin is expected to deploy a 3-5-2 formation to enhance midfield control and cover defensive gaps. With Ross Stewart injured, Cameron Archer will likely lead the attack, supported by youngster Dom Ballard or Sam Dibling. The potential return of Sugawara could provide extra width and energy down the right flank, while Smallbone’s availability boosts the midfield depth.
Leicester City Starting XI (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Hermansen
Defenders: Justin, Okoli, Faes, Kristiansen
Midfielders: Ndidi, Skipp
Attacking Midfielders: Ayew, Buonanotte, Mavididi
Forward: Vardy
Leicester’s lineup could feature a familiar 4-2-3-1 structure, with Vardy spearheading the attack and Buonanotte playing just behind him. Wilfred Ndidi and Oliver Skipp are expected to operate in the double-pivot, offering defensive solidity while allowing the likes of Mavididi and Jordan Ayew to roam freely in attack. Vestergaard’s return provides an option off the bench, and Leicester will rely heavily on their attacking versatility to break down the Southampton defense.
Key Matchups
- Cameron Archer vs. Wout Faes: Archer’s pace and finishing ability will test the Leicester defense, particularly Faes, who must avoid mistakes and maintain composure under pressure.
- Facundo Buonanotte vs. Southampton Midfield: Buonanotte’s creativity will be a crucial factor for Leicester, and Southampton’s midfielders need to limit his space to prevent him from influencing the game.
- Kyle Walker-Peters vs. Stephy Mavididi: The battle on Southampton’s right flank could be decisive, with Walker-Peters tasked with containing Mavididi’s dribbling and crossing abilities.
Prediction
Both teams are desperate for points, which could make for an entertaining and closely fought contest. Southampton’s possession-heavy style may trouble Leicester, but the Foxes have shown greater attacking consistency this season. Leicester’s ability to convert chances and Southampton’s defensive frailties might tip the balance in the visitors’ favor.
Prediction: Southampton 1-2 Leicester City
Leicester’s superior firepower and recent victory over Bournemouth provide a much-needed confidence boost. Vardy’s excellent record against Southampton could come into play once again, and the Foxes will aim to end their winless away streak in the Premier League. On the other hand, Southampton will need to tighten their defense and take advantage of Leicester’s vulnerabilities at the back if they hope to avoid setting an unfortunate club record.
