Leeds Utd v Southampton Match Thread
Saturday 2nd April@15:00 | Elland Road
Southampton make the arduous journey up the A1M to Elland Road on Saturday afternoon as Ralph Hasenhüttl's team look to get back to winning ways against Jesse Marsch's Leeds Utd.
The Saints started 2022 in fine form, recording 4 wins, 2 draws and one defeat. They also progressed to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, beating Swansea, Coventry and West Ham. Unfortunately, they have had a March to forget. Apart from getting knocked out of the Cup by Citeh, successive defeats against Villa, Newcastle and Watford have seen the South Coast outfit fall within six points of the Whites.
During Jesse Marsch's first month at Leeds, they have won twice, and lost twice. Importantly, they find themselves seven points clear of the drop zone, though all those below them have games in hand. Coming from two - nil down to beat Wolves will have given the Leeds players a boost that they will need, if they are going to record their third victory in a row for the first time this season.
Leeds will be without Patrick Bamford (foot), Junior Firpo (knee), Tyler Roberts (hamstring), Leo Hjelde (knee) and await news on whether Raphinha and Robin Koch have recovered from Covid. Raphinha missed the trip to Wolves, but was spotted midweek at Thorp Arch, whilst Koch was turned away from the German camp after contracting the killer disease.
Stuart Dallas (groin) could be set for a spell on the sidelines. The versatile all-rounder was injured during Northern Ireland’s 3-1 win over Luxembourg, though he returned to action on Tuesday evening as a second half substitute against Hungary. There's better news for long term absentee's Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips. Both have been training hard during the International break, and should be available for selection. Illan Meslier has recovered from the bruising encounter with Raul Jiminez, and looks set to start between the sticks.
Brazilian centre back Lyanco (Hamstring) and former Leeds loanee goalkeeper Alex McCarthy will miss the same with their respective injuries.