Leeds United 1 Southampton 0: Reaction as Whites climb out of drop zone

Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
Leeds United host Southampton in a gigantic Premier League relegation battle six-pointer today, for which new Whites boss Javi Gracia is at the helm for his first game in charge.

Second-bottom Leeds announced at 12.30pm on Friday lunchtime that new head coach Gracia’s visa had been confirmed, paving the way for the 52-year-old former Watford boss to take his place in the home dugout for today’s enormous showdown against the bottom-placed Saints. Just 15 minutes after the work permit news had been revealed, Gracia then found himself facing his first set of questions from the media for the club’s pre-Southampton press conference at Thorp Arch.

Just one point separates the Whites and Saints at the foot of the division with 15 games left of the current campaign. The two sides will lock horns at Elland Road this afternoon in a 3pm kick-off and we will bring you all of the pre-match build-up and confirmed line ups followed by match updates and reaction from Elland Road.

Leeds United 1 Southampton 0 reaction and recap

Key Events

  • 3pm kick-off at Elland Road
  • Second-bottom v bottom
  • New boss Javi Gracia in dugout after receiving work permit

Gracia’s first predicted Leeds XI...

Huge. Good afternoon from Elland Road.

Huge. Good afternoon from Elland Road.Huge. Good afternoon from Elland Road.
Huge. Good afternoon from Elland Road.

Gracia’s first column

Gracia’s first columnGracia’s first column
Gracia’s first column

Coops on Gracia and ask from Leeds United’s fans

Leeds arrive at Elland Road, Meslier the first out. Followed by Kristensen

In the arrivals, no sign of any of the recently injured players but not everyone comes out on to the pitch so best waiting for team news at 2pm.

In the stands, deceptively so, hurry up Spring with a few points too hopefully

Leeds are evens here. Odds on with plenty of firms and no bigger than 21-10. Saints can be backed at 3-1. Draw is 27-10.