Southampton will look to pick up where they left off after the international break by following up their stunning away win at Chelsea with another over Leicester City.

However, the Foxes know that a victory on the South Coast could propel Claudio Ranieri's men into the top four of the Premier League, only months after nearly dropping out of the top flight.

Southampton

© Getty Images

This week, Saints boss Ronald Koeman has spoken of his concerns about the condition of his squad after returning from international duty, but much of recent speculation had suggested that the ex-Feyenoord coach could be anointed as the next manager of the Netherlands.

Koeman has strenuously denied that he will leave his post, but the manner of his side's 3-1 win against champions Chelsea before the break will have certainly caught the eyes of many, including clubs - and countries - in need of a new coach.

Strangely, their triumph at Stamford Bridge and the 3-1 victory over Swansea City represented the first time that Southampton had registered back-to-back victories since January.

Nevertheless, Koeman can take heart from their recent goal-scoring exploits, netting 14 times in their last four games in all competitions, including two in the 3-2 home defeat to Manchester United and six against MK Dons in the League Cup.

One sour note is that the Saints will have to do without Shane Long for the next four weeks, which could mean that Graziano Pelle is forced to take more of the burden in attack.

However, Sadio Mane has been able to chip in with two goals as well as four assists in his last five appearances in the Premier League.

Recent form: DWDLWW
Recent form (all competitions): WDLWWW

Leicester City

© Getty Images

So appealing was the chance to manage Southampton that Claudio Ranieri recently spoke of his regret about taking the Greece job instead of the chance to coach at St Mary's.

That regret is perhaps down to the fact that he left his post with Greece firmly rooted to the bottom of their Euro 2016 qualifying group and having failed to score against the Faroe Islands at home.

However, while Ranieri's appointment in the summer as successor to Nigel Pearson may have raised some eyebrows, his team's form since taking the post appears to have justified the board's faith in the Italian.

Leicester, who looked to have sunken without a trace in the latter stages of last season, are now only three points off the top of the table.

Their results suggest that the league position is no fluke, with only leaders Manchester City having scored more times than the Foxes, and only City have won more top-flight games than Leicester since the start of April with 11 victories from 17.

Even Jamie Vardy has flourished under Ranieri's stewardship, having scored in each of his last five games for the club and earning an England call-up.

However, one note of caution would be the defence. Leicester may have scored in every game this season, but they have also conceded in every game too, including five at home to Arsenal.

Recent form: DDWDLW
Recent form (all competitions): DWDWLW

Team News

© Getty Images

Long is likely to be highest-profile absentee for the Saints after damaging ankle ligaments while on international duty with the Republic of Ireland.

However, Jordy Clasie could be ready to make his Premier League debut for the Hampshire side after finally shaking off a hamstring injury.

Should Clasie start, Koeman may look to move either Oriol Romeu or Steven Davis to the bench.

Meanwhile, Leicester could welcome Swansea loanee Nathan Dyer back into the fold after he recovered from a knee problem.

Ranieri will also have to decide whether to start with Jeff Schlupp, who has barely trained with the squad after returning from international duty later this week.

Southampton possible starting lineup:
Stekelenburg; Cedric, Fonte, van Dijk, Bertrand; Romeu, Wanyama, Clasie; Tadic, Mane; Pelle

Leicester City possible starting lineup:
Schmeichel; Simpson, Huth, Morgan, Fuchs; Albrighton, Kante, Drinkwater, Schlupp; Okazaki, Vardy

Head To Head

While the Saints and the Foxes have both won their fair share of the previous 80 encounters, Southampton's recent home record against the East Midlands club is a proud one.

The South Coast outfit have lost only one of their previous 18 encounters in the top flight, which came in April 2000, thanks to goals from Tony Cottee and Muzzy Izzet at The Dell.

Leicester have had a more recent away win – a 2-0 victory in January 2012, when the teams met in the Championship. However, that still remains only their fourth league victory away to Southampton in 36 outings.

We say: Southampton 3-2 Leicester City

With both teams performing well of late and with Southampton and Leicester not shy when it comes to attacking football, few would expect a 0-0 draw. That said, the Saints' recent performances, including against Chelsea, suggest that they could have enough to edge this one.

Previews by email