Southampton vs. Leicester City: Opposition threat

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NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 09: Jamie Vardy of Leicester City and Florian Lejeune of Newcastle United in acion during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leicester City at St. James Park on December 9, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /

Jamie Vardy

Despite the article being titled ‘opposition threat’, I try to include a good spread of players across the pitch, but it’s difficult to ignore Jamie Vardy’s presence up top.

The 30-year-old forward may never replicate his goalscoring form from the title-winning season, but he still has seven goals from 16 games so far in the league this time around.

His pace in behind could cause the Saints’ defence some serious problems if they’re caught napping, with Vardy never needing a second invitation to run onto the end of a loose ball.

Vardy’s tackle injured Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk last time the two teams met so the England international may be met with a hostile reception at St. Mary’s tonight, something which would probably only motivate him to score even more.