Southampton vs. Leicester City: Opposing Fan’s view

Tonight Southampton play host to Leicester, with the away side currently being managed by former-Saints boss Claude Puel. Kick-off is 7:45 PM.

Since sacking Craig Shakespeare Leicester have enjoyed somewhat of a resurgence, sitting eighth behind Tottenham Hotspur with 23 points to their name.

The form of the dynamic trio of Demarai Gray, Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez has spearheaded the Foxes good run – but the Saints have enjoyed a nice turnaround themselves.

Despite only win from their last four the Saints are seemingly playing better football, with more enthusiasm and generally a better attitude.

Despite this, Leicester will arguably go into the game knowing they can come away with something – Foxes of Leicester Site Expert Harneet Singh Sethi believes his side are a lot more attacking under their French manager.

"“I won’t say that there have been major changes in the way that Leicester City go about their job; however, yes, they’ve gradually become a much more attacking unit than they were under Craig Shakespeare. “Claude Puel has really made this side “play” in each and every game, which has surprised us all as well.”"

One major reason for Leicester’s change in form is the purple patch currently being enjoyed by Riyad Mahrez.

The Algerian famously wanted out this summer but is currently displaying some of the form that won him the league’s Player of the Year award a couple of the seasons ago. Harneet naturally believes that if the Foxes are to get anything out the game tonight, it’ll come through Mahrez.

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"“As much as we talk about Jamie Vardy and his goals, Mahrez is someone who can produce something out of nothing against any team in the league, which is one ability that no one else in this Leicester City side has. “Yes, the Algerian can have his off days, but on his day, he runs the show.”"

Despite their improvement under Puel, Leicester are far from a perfect side, having conceded three more goals this season than the Saints.

Harneet believes that one of the Foxes’ defenders could be a weak link tonight.

"“There’s no one in particular who I see out of form, but yes, if there’s someone I’d like to see being replaced, then it’s Wes Morgan. “He didn’t have the best of times against Newcastle United, and there have been a number of such performances from the Jamaican this season. Don’t get me wrong, he has had some incredibly brilliant displays too, but his age and the lack of agility that comes with it remains a weakness.”"

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After tonight the Saints face Chelsea away at the weekend, with matches against Tottenham and Manchester United both to come before the turn of the year.

The festive period is tricky enough as it is with the games rolling in thick and fast but with top-six opponents still to come, a win tonight is imperative for Mauricio Pellegrino’s side. Harneet believes that the draw against Arsenal will give the Saints confidence, and believes they will come away as victors.

"“I’m going for 3-1 Southampton. They are fresh from a very good game against Arsenal, and the disappointment of handing a late point to the Gunners will only serve as an inspiration. If Pellegrino’s side start the way they did on Sunday, they’ll be too good for Leicester’s defence.”"

The game kicks off at 7:45 PM tonight at St. Mary’s Stadium.