Chris Sutton shares prediction for Leeds vs Southampton clash

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Chris Sutton has told BBC Sport his prediction for Leeds United’s next must-win Premier League clash, against Southampton at Elland Road on Saturday.

The Whites face the Saints in a game which pits the bottom two in the top-flight against each other. And it is the side at the foot of the table who have the greater amount of momentum, having won their most recent game.

Leeds meanwhile, produced arguably their worst performance of the season last time out. The 1-0 loss to Everton was largely shambolic. And it seemed to play a part in the Whites stepping up their search for a new manager, with Javi Gracia confirmed as Jesse Marsch’s successor.

Chris Sutton predicts Leeds vs Southampton result

It remains to be seen whether Gracia will be able to take charge of Leeds for the first time this weekend.

But Sutton believes that this may finally be the time when the Whites turn the corner – even if he is not entirely sure.

“It feels like I have been saying the same thing about Leeds for a long time during their winless run, in that their biggest problem is their inconsistency when they are trying to see out matches,” he told BBC Sport, as he predicted a 2-1 Leeds win.

“But they haven’t played well for a while now, and they have failed to score in four of their past five league matches, which is a big reason why they are struggling.

“I still think Leeds are better than their results suggest, but their players are just not producing at the moment. 

“They always get a raucous backing from the crowd at Elland Road but it doesn’t seem to lift them the same way Everton can raise their game at Goodison Park. 

“Maybe Saturday is the day that changes. Yet again, I’m going with Leeds to win – but I’m not convinced that will happen.”

Hard to share pundit’s optimism

Southampton looked like a different side in their first game under Ruben Selles. That result against Chelsea could make a massive difference to their season.

Leeds have not yet had a chance to work under Gracia on the training ground. And the confidence amongst the squad is surely fairly low right now after what happened at Everton.

So it is hard to have the same optimism Sutton has. But it definitely does appear to be the kind of game that neither side can afford to lose.

Ultimately, nothing will be decided on Saturday. Even the side who loses has time to turn their fortunes around. But realistically, the psychological blow of losing will be something that both sides are desperate to avoid.

If Leeds can start well and take their chances, it could be a positive day. But there is a massive question mark over the team while we await the opportunity to see Gracia’s plans in action.