David Prutton has predicted a 3-1 away victory for Leeds United ahead of their visit to St Mary’s Stadium, with the Whites losing a Championship record.
The Sky Sports pundit acknowledged the tremendous strain on Saints manager Russell Martin after his early season efforts had guided his side to 15th place in the second tier.
Prutton lauded Leeds’ attacking possibilities, calling them a “joy to behold,” and predicted that Daniel Farke’s side will run away with the game but would be thwarted by a Saints goal. If his prediction comes true, Leeds will end their four-game streak without Illan Meslier having to fish the ball out of his net, which is now the longest in the Championship
However, Leeds fans may be disappointed by Prutton’s prediction that Southampton will score, with Farke’s side seeking for their fifth consecutive clean sheet.
Following a difficult start to the season, emphatic wins and clean sheets against Millwall and Watford have officially established the Whites as a title-challenging club, with Sunderland and Preston looking over their shoulders in fear of Farke’s much-improved outfit.
The front line has also been in excellent form, with Georginio Rutter and Joel Piroe scoring two and four goals, respectively, for the high-scoring Leeds side.
The moment has come to face the Saints. Four straight defeats, including a 5-0 thrashing by Sunderland and a 2-1 loss to fellow strugglers Middlesbrough, have added to Martin’s pressure.
The Saints will almost certainly start this season with the intention of returning to the Premier League right away, but another loss against a promotion contender will make this difficult goal nearly impossible.
“Russell Martin is under real pressure right now,” Prutton added. Southampton cannot afford to lose four games in a row in this league. Even if it is still early. They also don’t appear to be learning their defensive lessons.
“Leeds will be looking to capitalize.” Their front four in full swing is a sight to behold, and if they score first, things may get messy at St Mary’s. Away victory. 1-3′′ is the prediction.
Prutton’s prediction of a comfortable Leeds United victory over the faltering Saints is most likely correct.
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However, Daniel Farke and Leeds fans will be unconcerned about Southampton’s problems, and another three points will secure the Whites’ place in the playoffs. While three points are the most important thing at the end of the game, Farke would be sad if he lost his long-standing record in the unpredictable Championship.
In other Leeds United news, Brendan Rodgers has provided an update on Matt O’Riley’s situation at Celtic following a multi-million pound move to Elland Road.
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