Leeds return from the international break today ahead of a crucial run-in period that starts with the welcome of Southampton to Elland Road.
The Whites’ destiny isn’t quite back in their own hands yet but a win at home to the Saints and a loss for Burnley against Manchester City this afternoon could change that. Jesse Marsch’s side sit in 16th, seven points above the drop zone, but have played the most games out of the bottom five (30).
Victories in all three of Burnley’s games in hand would see them edge ahead of Leeds’ 29 points. Assuming Everton pick up six points in their three matches in credit, this would see the Whites sink into the bottom three.
READ MORE: Full Leeds United squad revealed vs Southampton as Illan Meslier uncertainty looms
But a win for Leeds and a defeat for relegation-zoned Burnley would hand the Yorkshire club the advantage. Everton lie four points behind having completed 27 matches while Watford (22 points) and Norwich (17) remain in the bottom three after 29 matches.
Southampton are having a mixed season, having gone through triumphant patches but also poor spells this campaign and go into this one on the back of four straight losses. They sit 11th but this weekend’s result could dictate the mood around the club heading into the final two months.
While their European dream for next season is all but gone, a win could take them up to ninth should results fall in their favour. But a defeat may see them slip as low as 13th.
Saints boss Ralph Hasenhüttl has been boosted by the return of several players this week. Nathan Tella is set to come back into the fold following a groin injury while Will Smallbone is back from a positive COVID-19 test and Oriol Romeu has recovered from a stomach problem.
Alex McCarthy has also returned to training this week but the goalkeeper is not set to feature against Leeds as he tenderly finds back his fitness after a hamstring injury. Defender Lyanco is Southampton’s sole absentee.
Meanwhile, Leeds are set to welcome back Raphinha, Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips into the matchday squad which sets up an enticing game in front of what is expected to be a raucous Elland Road crowd at 3pm.
The full Southampton squad:
Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster, Willy Caballero, Alex McCarthy, Harry Lewis.
Defenders: Romain Perraud, Thierry Small, Tino Livramento, Yan Valery, Kyle Walker-Peters, Jan Bednarek, Mohammed Salisu, Jack Stephens.
Midfielders: Ibrahima Diallo, Oriol Romeu, Will Smallbone, James Ward-Prowse, Stuart Armstrong, Moussa Djenepo, Mohamed Elyounoussi, Nathan Redmond, Nathan Tella, Theo Walcott.
Forwards: Che Adams, Adam Armstrong, Armando Broja, Shane Long.
