Leeds United return after the two-week international break with another huge match as they host Southampton at Elland Road. The Whites will be looking to build on back-to-back victories against Norwich City and Wolves to earn a third successive win for the first time since last season.
Opponents Southampton, meanwhile, come into the fixture on the back of four defeats in a row in all competitions and will be hoping to ensure an end of season slump does not ensue. Due to the contrasting runs of form, FiveThirtyEight, a website that uses data to provide predictions on matches, believes Leeds are slight favourites with a 41% chance of winning.
With a 35% chance, though, Southampton are not too far behind, suggesting that a close game is likely at Elland Road. Pundits from across the media have also been giving their views on tonight’s fixture and LeedsLive have rounded them up for you.
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Mark Lawrenson – BBC Sport
Mark Lawrenson of BBC Sport said: “Having Patrick Bamford out injured again is a big blow for Leeds but at least they have a bit of momentum now after winning their past two games. Their 3-2 victory at Wolves last time out was a crazy game but a great watch - and you just know Jesse Marsch's side will have a real go again at Elland Road this time.
“It's hard to know what to expect from Southampton because they seem to go from being on a very good run to being on a very bad one. An entertaining draw probably isn't a bad shout.”
Prediction: Leeds 1-1 Southampton
Paul Merson – Sportskeeda
In his latest weekly prediction column for Sportskeeda, Paul Merson said: “This could be an exciting game with lots of goals, so I'm predicting a 2-2 draw. Leeds have had a couple of good results on the spin under Jesse Marsh and should comfortably avoid the drop if they carry on playing like this, but Southampton are a good team as well.
“They played really well against Manchester City in the FA Cup but ended up losing 4-1, which I felt was a bit harsh. A draw won't be a bad result for either of these teams. Raphinha is a player who has generated a lot of transfer talk in recent weeks, with Barcelona reportedly interested in snapping him up this summer.
“I think he'll leave Leeds regardless of what happens - he's capable of playing for any of the big boys in the Premier League. Real Madrid and Barcelona still have the charm when it comes to foreign players - when either of the two clubs come for a player, they inevitably end up getting them.”
Prediction: Leeds 2-2 Southampton
Michael Owen – BetVictor
In his latest weekly predictions column for BetVictor, Michael Owen said: “What a massive couple of wins that was for Leeds, and for Jesse Marsch. Two last-minute winners, the atmosphere around the team must be brilliant now. I worried for Leeds a month or so ago, but they’ve given themselves a real chance of safety now.
“Southampton didn’t play badly in the FA Cup defeat to Man City. City were just more clinical on the day and the score line probably flattered them. Ralph Hasenhüttl will want a response here. Southampton’s form in 2022 has been superb. I can see them upsetting Leeds here and getting a 1-0 win.”
Prediction: Leeds 0-1 Southampton
David Seaman – Seamansays
In the latest episode on his SeamanSays podcast, David Seaman predicted Leeds to secure their third win on the bounce.
Prediction: Leeds 2-1 Southampton
