Southampton saw West Ham United leapfrog themselves to claim top spot in the Championship table but they will be able to go top of the pile if they can pick up the three points against Leicester City on Monday night (Southampton 5/6, draw 13/5, Leicester 16/5).
The Saints had to watch as the Hammers ran out 2-1 winners over struggling Nottingham Forest on Saturday and now they find themselves chasing down the London outfit. It’s not going to be an easy task against a Foxes side who be full of confidence following their 4-0 FA Cup thrashing of Forest in midweek.
Former Leeds United and Everton striker Jermaine Beckford bagged himself a hat-trick against their East Midlands rivals and when the forward gets in the goals he tends to go on a run. Beckford (15/2 First Goalscorer) has great ability in the air and on either feet and expect him to be a threat for the Southampton defense at St Mary’s. The 28-year-old will be a key figure for a Foxes side who are struggling with injuries and players away on international duty ahead of the trip to the south coast.
Andy King is set to miss the clash with an Achilles injury, whilst defenders Sol Bamba and John Pantsil are away at the African Nations Cup for next few weeks. Nigel Pearson will certainly have some important selection decisions to make if his side are to get something against a Saints team who welcome back star striker Rickie Lambert. The 29-year-old has completed his three-match ban and will be looking to add to his 15 goals in the Championship this term.
Saints boss Nigel Adkins has been in the hunt for a new striker in the January transfer market, with Celtic man Gary Hooper at the top of the wish-list. It looks highly unlikely the former Scunthorpe United forward will join up with the former Irons manager and Adkins may have to look elsewhere for a potential strike partner for Lambert.
Monday’s game is set to have plenty of goals if their previous encounter in the league is anything to go by, with the Foxes running out 3-2 winner at the King Power Stadium.
Southampton (9/4 Championship Outright) have not been on the best run of form with just two victories in their last seven outings in the Championship. What will hold the home side in good stead is the fact that Leicester have never picked up all three points at St Marys.
This game has goals written all over it, with City scoring a goal in all of their last 10 games in the Championship and Southampton seeing the return of Lambert. Once again another close encounter between these two very attacking side is expected but absent players could play a key role in this clash. With a host of big game players missing for the visitors, expect the Saints to just edge this one as they look to march back to the top of the table.
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