‘In for a long, long season’: Paul Merson predicts result of Southampton v Leeds clash

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Paul Merson has previewed and predicted the Premier League clash between Southampton and Leeds United.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Saints welcome Jesse Marsch’s Whites at St Mary’s Stadium in a 3pm kickoff on Saturday.

Southampton will be desperate to make amends following their 4-1 hammering at Tottenham last week.

Meanwhile, Leeds won their first game of the season, coming from behind to beat Wolves 2-1 at Elland Road.

Both the Saints and the Whites finished in the lower reaches of the Premier League table last time out.

Southampton finished 15th, while Leeds secured safety on the final day in 17th place.

However, both clubs have strengthened their ranks – Saints have six new players, while the Whites have seven.

Merson, writing on Sportskeeda, claimed that “the jury’s still out on Leeds” despite their good win last time out.

He also expressed surprise with James Ward-Prowse still being at Southampton, as he can “make things happen”.

Merson finished by tipping the Saints to win 2-1 against the Whites.

“The jury’s still out on Leeds,” he wrote.

“They managed a great result the other day, and we’ll have to see if that was a fluke.

“If they don’t want to be in another relegation battle, they’ll need to get a result against Southampton.

“I’m surprised that James Ward-Prowse is still at Southampton.

“He’s a great footballer and he can make things happen in the Premier League.

“With him in the team, they’ll be just about all right.

“Going by their first game, Southampton are in for a long, long season.

“They started well against Spurs, and they’ll look to make the most of their home advantage this weekend.”