Former Premier League star Martin Keown has told Leeds United's new manager Javi Gracia he must give the side 'direction' if they want to avoid relegation this season.
The Spaniard has taken over from interim boss Michael Skubala at possibly the most pivotal moment of this tough Whites season as they head into a vital six-pointer clash with the Saints with the possibility of being bottom-of-the-league if they end up losing the game.
It's now been a run of 10 games without a win and three points would certainly go a long way for the players at Elland Road, who have desperately needed a confidence boost.
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"They have now turned to Javi Gracia to give them direction and that’s desperately needed," Keown wrote for the Daily Mail. "Leeds have looked totally rudderless.
"For so long under Jesse Marsch, their primary way of playing has been to suffocate opponents with a high press and win possession in the final third.
"But the opposition have worked this out, learning not to attempt to pass out from the back against Leeds because you simply play in their hands. By bypassing the press and sending the ball long, you can have success against Leeds."
The former Arsenal defender then pointed out how the Saints could suffocate Leeds' wingers in order to make life much easier for themselves come this afternoon.
"The statistics suggest almost every top-flight team has increased their percentage of long balls when facing them this season.
"Everton were the latest to deploy this tactic. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford constantly looked long to deny Leeds any joy from their high press and Everton won 1-0 at Goodison Park, with the visitors not managing a single shot on target.
"After that immensely concerning performance, Leeds will consider Saturday's visit of Southampton as a must-win match. In recent games, Leeds have tried to pass out from the back and develop their play but they’ve lacked creativity.
"Wingers Wilfried Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville both have a box of tricks with plenty of pace, but if you mark them tight, you can starve Leeds of any supply line to Patrick Bamford.
"Both Gnonto and Summerville need to simplify their play and get the ball into the box for Bamford quicker, or link up with the striker and go for goal."
With Gracia calling for the fans to be the side's 12th man in his pre-match press conference, Keown similarly highlighted the impact the Whites faithful could have on the final score.
"Elland Road is such an atmospheric ground, it has perhaps led the Leeds’ players to become frantic in their play when in the final third.
"Tomorrow their forwards need to find a calmness and composure to show their class and secure a much-needed win, otherwise they will be left relying on a miracle to avoid relegation."
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