Southampton: Saints team news and predicted line-up for Leeds clash

Southampton head to Elland Road on Tuesday evening and will be hoping to build on an important result last time out against Chelsea.

Goals from Takumi Minamino and Mason Mount saw the Saints and the Blues draw 1-1 on Saturday but it was the defensive control from Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side that impressed for the most part.

The result cut short a six-game losing streak and they will now be getting ready to face Leeds for the first time this season.

Marcelo Bielsa’s men have had a mixed season themselves having won 10, lost 12 and drawn only two Premier League games in 2020/21. The tactical battle between two of the most energetic, pressing teams in the top-flight will surely be a fascinating watch though.

Southampton and Leeds with significant players missing

Ahead of tomorrow’s meeting, there has been some interesting team news for both managers to contend with.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference (words via Hampshire Live), Ralph Hasenhuttl gave Stuart Armstrong a “50/50” chance of playing some part against Leeds. The Scotland international missed the Chelsea game with a minor muscle problem.

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Elaborating further on his player’s situation, Hasenhuttl explained that match fitness is the only issue that will keep Armstrong out of the match if he is unable to play.

No other players are ready to return to action yet, although an update from the Saints boss confirmed that Ibrahima Diallo will be back before Theo Walcott because of a less complex injury to recover from.

Kyle Walker-Peters is still a few weeks away from a return too, whilst Michael Obafemi and Will Smallbone are long-term absentees.

Marcelo Bielsa confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Leeds would be without midfielder Kalvin Phillips and striker Rodrigo for their hosting of Saints.

Despite these two key players missing, defender Diego Llorente will be back in the Argentine’s plans after returning to fitness. Robin Koch, Gaetano Berardi, Adam Forshaw and Ian Poveda are all still out.

Predicted Saints line-up

Alex McCarthy; Jan Bednarek, Jannik Vestergaard, Mohammed Salisu, Ryan Bertrand; James Ward-Prowse, Oriol Romeu; Moussa Djenepo, Takumi Minamino; Danny Ings, Nathan Redmond

Saints could stay unchanged from Saturday if every player has recovered in a good state from the draw with Chelsea.

Jan Bednarek performed well as a right-back and his solid defensive attributes helped his team out in a vital match. A fluid four players in attack should retain their place after adding creativity at the weekend.