SOUTHAMPTON and Leicester City both suffered the ignominy of relegation last season from the English Premier League.
But they have made fairly encouraging starts to their new lives in the Championship and meet at St Mary's on Friday night.
Southampton will be desperate though to get back on track after a disastrous last outing before the international break.
They were hammered 5-0 at the Stadium of Light by a rampant Sunderland side which well and truly ended a good run of form where they had defeated Sheffield Wednesday and Plymouth Argyle on the road and beat QPR at home.
Russell Martin's side face a tough challenge against a Leicester City outfit who have won four out five games in the league so far.
Enzo Maresca's side had won all six of their games in the League Cup and the league until they too had their progress checked with a surprise 1-0 home defeat by Hull City.
Maresca – who was named Manager of the Month – has bemoaned the lack of goals his team have scored with all of their four league wins being by one goal.
But they will be up against a Saints defence who must have fragile confidence after that loss to Sunderland.
How the bookies view it
Home advantage sees bookies side with Southampton as favourites here, but only just. The hosts can be backed at 29/20 with bet365.
Leicester City are 9/5 with Paddy Power and the draw is 13/5 with Boylesports.
Recent head to heads
Southampton did the double over Leicester City last season in one of the few bright spots of their campaign. They won 1-0 at St Mary's and 2-1 at the King Power.
And of course, Leicester infamously won 9-0 here in 2019.
Players to watch
Che Adams was much touted for a big money move to the Premier League last month, but it never happened and the Scotland striker remains with the Saints. He is 21/10 to score anytime with bet365.
Kasey McAteer scored a double for Leicester in their recent win at Rotherham United. The 21-year-old is 11/2 to score anytime with Paddy Power.
Anything else catch the eye?
Leicester City look too big a price here and can capitalise on Southampton's defensive worries.
The Foxes can be forgiven that one slip-up to Hull in what had previously been a flawless campaign.
They had 13 shots off target and only one on target against Hull so once they sharpen up in front of goal, the goals may flow soon.
And there really should be goals here – Southampton have already been involved in a share of the spoils in an eight-goal thriller at home to Norwich City.
Back both teams to score and over 2.5 goals at 21/20 with bet365.
This England Championship match between Southampton and Leicester City will be played on Sep 15, 2023 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Southampton vs Leicester City prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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