FORMER Premier League ace Chris Sutton admits he thinks pressure on Ralph Hasenhuttl “seems unfair so early in the season”, despite predicting a 2-1 defeat at Leicester City.
The ex-Blackburn Rovers striker has taken over Mark Lawrenson as the BBC Sport predictor expert, although he has been beaten by his celebrity guest predictors in both Premier League matchdays.
Sutton, 49, expects the Foxes to come out on top of a narrow clash – which Brendan Rodgers’ side ran out 4-1 winners back in May, despite some controversy about the opener.
The retired one-cap England international has given his verdict on the pressure manager Hasenhuttl is under, after just one win in the final 12 Premier League matches to end last campaign.
“Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl seems to be under a bit of pressure, which seems unfair so early in the season,” Sutton said.
“So it was important for him that they came back from 2-0 down to draw with Leeds last time out.
“Hasenhuttl had been tinkering with playing three at the back during pre-season, but he went back to a four against Leeds, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him stick with that here.”
He continued: “Leicester also have problems at the back, not helped by having the uncertainty over Wesley Fofana's future hanging over them, but the Foxes still have plenty of quality going forward.
“There will be goals in this one, and I'm going with Brendan Rodgers to get his first win of the season.”
Saints versus Leicester City kicks off at King Power Stadium on Saturday, August 20, at 3PM. Both sides have picked up one draw and one defeat this season.
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