BBC Sports pundit Chris Sutton had predicted a 2-1 win for Saints over Leeds United this weekend, despite admitting: “I’m not entirely sure how they will do it.”

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side suffered a 4-1 defeat to a strong Tottenham Hotspur side on the Premier League’s opening day, but have a chance to put that right on home turf.

In a week filled with a lively fans’ forum and a steady circling of the rumour mill, the clash with Leeds United is an August six-pointer in itself – if such a thing exists.

Sutton, using some roundabout logic, thinks Saints will come out on the right side of that contest, writing: “Leeds got off to a good start by beating Wolves and they are one of my tips for relegation, which means they will probably win this week too.

“Southampton got spanked by Tottenham last weekend after taking the lead. Saints have gone to a back three after using it in pre-season.

“Although going to Spurs was a very difficult start to the season for them, it is hard to tell how damaging that defeat will be.”

He continued: “Because I've got Leeds going down, they can't keep on winning - I saw the stat on MOTD2 that, if a team takes eight points from their first five games, they have a 96% chance of staying in the Premier League.

“So, I am going to go with Southampton to bounce back here - although I'm not entirely sure how they will do it. 2-1.”

Saints defeated Leeds in last season's home fixture, with on-loan Armando Broja scoring the only goal of the contest. The reverse match saw a 2-2 draw in Yorkshire, in April.

Saints versus Leeds in matchday two of the 2022-23 Premier League season kicks off on Saturday, August 13, at 3PM.

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