Southampton have continued their charge at the top of the table, by yet again winning last weekend, away at Hull City. Southampton sit four points off Chelsea at the top of the league, and fans may well be starting to believe that they can genuinely push for a continental qualification spot. It is 1/8 with 888sport for Southampton to win against Leicester.
Morgan Schneiderlin has been extremely impressive in central midfield this season, and it is no wonder why he was highly coveted in the summer. The Frenchman has made the seventh most passes in the opposition half out of any player in the Premier League, with 330. In addition to this, Schneiderlin the most ground out of anyone in the league, averaging a distance of 12.21km per game, making him the only player to have averaged above 12km per game.
Victor Wanyama managed to get himself on the scoresheet for Southampton against Hull last weekend, and the midfielder has an impressive set of statistics to back up his goal. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Wanyama has completed 100% of the dribbles he has attempted so far this season (6). Wanyama has also completed 88.02% of his passes successfully this season.
Nathaniel Clyne was this week called up to the England squad, and on the basis of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index it is thoroughly deserved. The fullback has made the greatest number of successful tackles in the entire Premier League with 50. What is more impressive, is that in doing so, Clyne has only made five fouls, in comparison to those in second and third place who have made 25 and 20 fouls respectively.
Leicester have made the best start to the season of the promoted sides, however still sit in 18th place on nine points. The game against Southampton is set to be a tough challenge, but one that Nigel Pearson will believe he can come out of with a good result.
Leicester have now been unable to score in their last three Premier League games and will be looking to Leonardo Ulloa to help end the drought. The forward started the season in scintillating form but has been unable to help Leicester in their last three games. Ulloa still boasts an impressive scoring record of a goal every 155 minutes, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Ulloa is 17/2 to score first with 888sport.
Wes Morgan has continued his impressive form at the back, despite the team’s form. The Leicester captain has now made 96 clearances, which is the fifth highest total of any Premier League player, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Morgan has also made 14 blocks which is the second greatest of any player in the division too.
Ritchie De Laet’s total of 36 successful tackles is the fifth highest total in the league according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Alongside Morgan, they will be hoping to solidify the defence further this weekend, in order to keep the attacking talent of Southampton at bay.
Southampton vs Leicester – Possible starting lineups
Southampton: Forster; Clyne, Fonte, Alderweireld, Bertrand; Wanyama, Schneiderlin, Davis; Tadic, Mane, Pelle
Leicester: Schmeichel; De Laet, Wasilewski, Morgan, Konckesky; Drinkwater, Cambiasso, King; Mahrez, Ulloa, Vardy
Southampton vs Leicester – Match Facts
- Victor Wanyama has scored three goals in his last six Premier League appearances, having failed to net in his previous 26.
- The last eight league meetings between Leicester and Southampton have been in the Championship, with the teams drawing both matches the last time they were together in the top flight in 2003-04.
- Southampton have conceded just five league goals this season; fewer than any other team in England’s top four divisions.
- Leicester City have failed to score in four of their last five Premier League matches
- If Southampton win this game without conceding they will have the same W-D-L and goals conceded record as Wigan did after 11 games in 2005-06. The Latics eventually faded to finish 10th.
- The average finishing position for teams who have conceded five goals or fewer in their opening 10 games in the English top-flight is fourth.
- Southampton only conceded four goals in their opening 10 Premier League games last season; they conceded 19 in their next 10, only managing one clean sheet.
- Leicester have attempted just one direct-free kick shot this season, which was blocked.
Facts complied from uk.eurosport.yahoo.com
Southampton vs Leicester
A 2-0 win for the home side.
Data supplied by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Select and manage your own team of stars with at http://fantasy.premierleague.com/ or with FIFA Ultimate team.