Leicester City vs Southampton. Premier League.
The King Power StadiumAttendance32,071.
Sunday 3 April 2016 12:04, UK
Leicester host Southampton knowing that another big win would keep them ahead of the chasing pack - and the action is live on Super Sunday on Sky Sports 1 from 12.30pm.
Claudio Ranieri's team start the weekend five points clear of second-placed Tottenham with seven games remaining and, with his confidence sky-high, Jamie Vardy, who has 21 goals for club and country this term, will be looking to score in a third straight game.
The 29-year-old striker's impressive displays against Germany and the Netherlands likely cemented his place in Roy Hodgson's squad for Euro 2016 and Vardy can now turn his attention to the final weeks of Leicester's astonishing bid to win their first top-flight title.
Southampton could be one of the toughest remaining opponents for the Foxes, with the visitors having won their last two games to climb within four points of the Champions League places.
However, Leicester are showing remarkable resilience under pressure, winning their last three games 1-0.
Team news
Jeff Schlupp is a doubt for Leicester with a knee problem. The utility player suffered the injury on international duty with Ghana and could miss out when the Saints come to the midlands.
Ranieri has no other injury worries although Matty James is unlikely to feature as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury which has kept him out for almost a year.
Southampton's Shane Long is doubtful for the game. The striker scored from the penalty spot in the Republic of Ireland's 2-2 draw against Slovakia on Tuesday before going off with a knee problem, so will be assessed after training on Saturday.
Saints manager Ronald Koeman has no other injury concerns.
Opta stats
Leicester have won only one of their last eight top-flight contests against Southampton (D4 L3).
Southampton's only win away to Leicester in the Premier League came in December 2001, winning 4-0 at Filbert Street (D2 L6).
The Foxes have 41 more points from 31 Premier League games this season (66) compared to last season (25). They were also bottom of the league after playing 31 in 2014/15.
The last three Premier League meetings between these two sides have seen a player score a brace (Vardy in October, Riyad Mahrez last May and Long in November 2014).
Leicester have won 12 and lost just one of their last 18 Premier League home games (D5).
The Foxes have kept six clean sheets in their last seven Premier League games at the King Power Stadium.
Mahrez has scored more winning goals in the Premier League than any other player this season (7).
Southampton have scored more headed goals than any other team (12) in the Premier League this season.
Merson's prediction
This is a hard one for Leicester. In fact, I think their next three games are their hardest. People talk about their last three but if they put these three to bed they might not have to worry about the last three.
Southampton are a decent side, Shane Long will cause problems, and Leicester will have to attack. The pressure has been getting to Leicester a bit, they haven't been great lately and they have just got over the line in a few games, but if they can win the next three they would put it to bed.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1 (Sky Bet's odds: 5/1)
You can watch Leicester in action against Southampton at the King Power Stadium, live on Super Sunday. By purchasing a Sky Sports Day Pass for £6.99 or Sky Sports Week Pass for £10.99, you can enjoy access to all seven Sky Sports channels and watch on a TV with a NOW TV Box or on a range of devices.
