Southampton: Saints handed Leicester boost as Vardy’s ban not appealed
By Chris Hughes
Southampton have been handed a boost in their search for their first win of the season as Leicester City’s star striker will miss the match this weekend.
The Saints lost this past Saturday to Marco Silva’s Everton side, having previously been held to a goalless draw by Burnley on the opening weekend. Leicester meanwhile were fortunate to beat Wolves 2-0 in their most recent fixture, especially as they finished with ten men.
Jamie Vardy’s rash and reckless challenge not long after the hour mark saw him given a straight red card by the referee, and as expected, the Foxes have not attempted to appeal the decision.
The English striker will, as a result, miss his side’s next three games including their cup match against Fleetwood but more immediately, he’ll miss this weekend’s clash against the Saints.
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Southampton will be massively boosted by Vardy’s absence, as the striker’s pace and work-rate causes trouble for any defence in the league.
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The Foxes can of course still start the talented Kelechi Iheanacho, but Vardy remains key to how Claude Puel’s side set-up and his superior finishing ability could leave them toothless at times going forward.
The first time Leicester and Southampton met last season the Saints were thrashed 4-1 at St. Mary’s – the reverse fixture at the King Power Stadium ended 0-0.
Whilst they aren’t fighting relegation this time around the Saints will be just as desperate to get a result in the midlands, as they are yet to win their first game of the campaign.
Leicester being without Vardy can only help that, although with new boy James Maddison pulling the strings, the Foxes could still be seriously dangerous. The English playmaker very nearly joined the Saints over the summer and Leicester’s first two games make it clear that Mark Hughes’ side missed out on a star.
Either way, it makes the game this Saturday very tricky to call – kick-off at the St. Mary’s is at 3PM.