Saints Marching
Fansided

Leicester City vs. Southampton: Opposing fan’s view

By Chris Hughes

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MARCH 10: Ryan Bertrand of Southampton takes a look around the pitch prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Southampton at St. James Park on March 10, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MARCH 10: Ryan Bertrand of Southampton takes a look around the pitch prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Southampton at St. James Park on March 10, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /
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Later tonight Southampton face Leicester City at the King Power Stadium knowing a defeat could make survival almost impossible.

Considering how the game turned out last time – a 4-1 slapping at St. Mary’s Stadium – Saints fans are naturally nervous for this evening’s encounter with ex-Southampton boss Claude Puel.

Since taking over from Craig Shakespeare, the Frenchman has guided the Foxes to a comfortable top-half finish, something he achieved as Southampton boss before eventually being sacked over the summer.

At the time Puel’s sacking was seen as a relief by the Saints’ fanbase, after a season of mediocre football and inconsistencies. Looking back now as they sit in 18th, Southampton fans would almost certainly bite the hand off the offer of finishing in the middle of the table.

Harneet Singth Sethi, Site Expert of fellow FanSided blog Foxes of Leicester, has sung the praises of the 56-year-old ahead of tonight’s match:

"“I think Claude Puel has done a great job so far. People have been quick to pass judgement based on a recent slump in form, but they keep forgetting that he has still guided them to an eight-place finish with an inherited squad.”"

LEICESTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 18: Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City holds off Eden Hazard of Chelsea during The Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Leicester City and Chelsea at The King Power Stadium on March 18, 2018 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 18: Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City holds off Eden Hazard of Chelsea during The Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Leicester City and Chelsea at The King Power Stadium on March 18, 2018 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

Having replaced the now-Leicester gaffer with Mauricio Pellegrino, Southampton have enjoyed a terrible campaign on the whole, despite reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

The Argentine guided the Saints to just five league wins all season, beating West Brom in both fixtures whilst also beating Everton, Crystal Palace and West Ham. Harneet says that he sympathises with the club this campaign.

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"“I really feel bad for Southampton. They are one of the sides that I really used to enjoy watching, but they are far from that now. “Losing key players over a period has certainly contributed to their demise, but I think the biggest blow was that of Ronald Koeman. While he was here, Southampton were a force.”"

Leicester have a talented squad from top to bottom having retained a good portion of the team that won them the title two season ago – Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez are still the side’s main threats but Harneet has said that aside from those two, the Foxes’ powerful midfielder is the next player the Saints need to be cautious of.

"“Wilfred Ndidi is who I think Southampton should be wary of. We’ve seen what happens when Leicester City don’t have him in the side, so his impact in the middle of the park is obvious. Stop him and you’ll get a point at least.”"

The Saints have struggled for regular form all season with Charlie Austin the only player to have consistently found the back of the net when not suspended or injured. The side have found the back of the net twice in each of their last two games however, and therefore Harneet concluded by predicting a high-scoring affair at this evening.

"“I’m going for a mad 2-2 draw. It’ll be a really open game because both the sides need a win, and both are under immense pressure. Expect end to end football.”"

Southampton versus Leicester kicks off at the King Power Stadium tonight at 7:45PM.