Your comprehensive guide to the Leeds United and Southampton match in the English Premier League 2022/2023

A possibly crucial relegation battle at the foot of the Premier Organization table happens at Elland Roadway on Saturday as Leeds United play host to Southampton.

While the Saints have actually verified that Ruben Selles will remain in charge for the rest of the period, the Whites will have newly-appointed head instructor Javi Gracia in the dugout for the first time after he was provided his job visa on Friday.

Fifteen days after sacking Jesse Marsch, Leeds confirmed the visit of Gracia as their brand-new head train on Tuesday, bringing an end to Michael Skubala's momentary three-game spell in charge.

The 52-year-old, who has penciled a "versatile contract" with the West Yorkshire side, is tasked with steering his brand-new group far from the relegation area, as they currently rest 19th in the table and also 2 points adrift of security complying with a torrid 10-game winless organization run, consisting of a 1-0 loss at Everton last weekend.

Leeds will wish that Gracia can utilize his previous Premier League experience to steer the club to security after helping Watford stay clear of the drop in the 2nd half of the 2017-18 campaign, prior to guiding them to their highest-ever top-flight finish of 11th area the complying with period, in addition to leading them to the FA Cup final.

Gracia has acknowledged that it was an "simple" decision to approve the "obstacle" of taking care of Leeds as well as is confident he and also his squad will be well-prepared for Saturday's clash versus Southampton, together the very same opponent that Gracia encountered in his initial video game accountable of Watford, albeit shedding 1-0 in the FA Cup.

Leeds have actually struggled to please their house advocates in current weeks as they have just won one of their last 10 Premier League matches at Elland Roadway, stopping working to rack up in their last 2 against Brentford (0-0) and Manchester United (0-2).

Nevertheless, the Whites will be optimistic of asserting a favorable outcome on Saturday as they have actually just shed among their last 14 conferences versus Southampton as well as are unbeaten in their last eight given that a 1-0 house loss back in February 1998.

Adhering to the termination of Nathan Jones, interim employer Ruben Selles improved his hopes of leading Southampton on a long-term basis after steering the Saints to an outstanding 1-0 away success over Chelsea last weekend break.

A trademark James Ward-Prowse free kick sufficed to divide the two sides and finish Southampton's three-game losing run, although that success was not enough to relocate them off the foot of the table and also they are still three factors adrift from security.

However, six days after their victory in the capital, Southampton announced on Friday that Selles will certainly continue to be accountable for the rest of the 2022-23 campaign, as well as his prompt task will be attempting to lead the Saints to their third Premier League away win in four matches when they take a trip to Elland Roadway this weekend break.

Certainly, Southampton have actually fared better when driving until now this season, accumulating 12 of their 18 points away from house which is more than 9 other top-flight teams including Liverpool (11 ).

Southampton came from 2 objectives down to rescue a 2-2 draw in your home against Leeds back in August, thanks to goals from Joe Aribo as well as Kyle Walker-Peters in the last 20 mins, which fighting spirit will certainly be needed if they desire to go one better and also assert all three points on Saturday, with a win possibly enough to help them climb up out of the drop zone on objective distinction if various other outcomes go their means.

Leeds trio Rodrigo (ankle joint), Stuart Dallas (leg) and Adam Forshaw (groin) are still recuperating from long-term injuries, although the previous is wanting to return at some phase next month.

Maximilian Wober came off at half time versus Everton with a thought dislocated shoulder and is an uncertainty for Saturday's clash along with Luis Sinisterra (thigh), Pascal Struijk (concussion), Marc Roca (knock) as well as Archie Gray (ankle joint).

In the possible absence of Wober, captain Liam Cooper could be remembered to partner Robin Koch at centre-back, although he might not be able to play the complete 90 mins having actually just returned from injury, so Luke Ayling can feature between at some stage in the game.

It stays to be seen just how Gracia will certainly line up his side for Saturday, but Patrick Bamford-- that has actually racked up three Premier League goals in his last 4 conferences with Southampton-- is set to lead the line, while Brendan Aaronson and Georginio Rutter will be pushing to be associated with the first string after both assailants played for the club's Under-21s on Monday.

When it comes to Southampton, Che Adams (unspecified), Mislav Orsic (concussion), Valentino Livramento (ACL) and also Juan Larios (hamstring) have actually all been ruled out, although the latter is surrounding a return after taking part in training, while Mohammed Salisu (knock) is a question and also will be examined ahead of kickoff.

Walker-Peters enjoyed on as an extra alternative last weekend break after recuperating from a hamstring strain, as well as the right-back will be intending to compel his way back into the very first XI on Saturday ahead of Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

Ward-Prowse is readied to make his 329th Premier Organization look, equating to the club document established by Jason Dodd, while one of Romeo Lavia, Carlos Alvarez or Ibrahima Diallo will likely join the Saints skipper in centre-midfield.

January signings Paul Onuachu and also Kamaldeen Sulemana might begin their third succeeding game in attack, although they deal with competitors from Sekou Mara, Adam Armstrong and also Theo Walcott.

Leeds United feasible beginning lineup:

Meslier; Kristensen, Koch, Cooper, Firpo; Adams, McKennie; Summerville, Aaronson, Gnonto; Bamford

Southampton possible beginning schedule:

We say: Leeds United 2-2 Southampton

The Elland Road faithful make certain to create an aggressive ambience for Southampton while providing new employer Gracia with all the inspiration that he needs to get off to a flying begin in the Leeds dugout.

Selles, meanwhile, will expensive his opportunities of guiding the Saints to one more triumph on Saturday, and although both sides are desperate to insurance claim optimum points below, we feel that the spoils will be shared as they were 6 months ago at St Mary's.