Southampton vs Leicester is a must-win relegation clash for both clubs

Leicester City won’t have their work cut out when they travel to Saint Mary’s Stadium for Matchday 25 of the Premier League.

Southampton’s last home win against Leicester City was in 2017, but that was a different time for both. Currently, the Saints remain stranded at the bottom of the league table. They will be desperate to climb up at any possible opportunity. That opportunity might present itself against this week’s visitors- as the Foxes haven’t been doing all that great recently.

Despite a difference of six positions, the East Midlands side has gathered only six additional points compared to Southampton. Wins have been scarce for both sides, as the Foxes have tasted seven victories to the Saints’ five.

Leicester City must not repeat their last encounter

Earlier this season, Southampton gathered a 2-1 win at the King Power stadium by keeping Leicester City at bay with their defense. This time, both teams will be looking to capitalize on each others’ defensive incapabilities.

"“I think everybody knows how important the game is if you look at the table, it’s a six-point game almost. We have to go there and play our football and hopefully get a good result. If we stick together, then we can compete with any team. The thing is, this weekend is a very important game where we need to take three points.”– Wout Faes to LCFC TV"

In that regard, James Ward-Prowse can emerge as the difference maker for Southampton. Being the outfit’s top scorer with six goals, Brendan Rodgers must remain vigilant with his tactics to deal with him. Danny Ward and his backline’s indecisiveness will not go unpunished this time, as the outfit hasn’t kept a clean sheet for five matches.

Both teams need to gather points on an urgent basis. The Foxes are in a precarious position where they can slip down the order and drop into the danger zone if they fail. For the Saints, it is all about climbing slowly out of the relegation zone and capitalizing on others’ misfortunes to ensure survival.

James Maddison is the key to Leicester City’s success

Whether James Maddison starts for LCFC will also play a critical factor. The team failed to create chances without him, with the lowest notable xG of 0.01. The No. 10 has scored nine times for City this season.

Though the King Power club has lost in their last three outings, for Rodgers, this game gives him a critical chance to uplift the teams’ crestfallen confidence back up; before going head to head against a struggling Chelsea.

Earning anything from every game would prove to be of vital importance, as the 40-mark threshold remains a challenging task. City has the talent, but the luck hasn’t been on their side. Hopefully, our fortunes turn a corner at Saint Mary’s.