Marcelo Bielsa casts verdict on Southampton form ahead of Leeds United meeting

Marcelo Bielsa insists every Premier League team has ups and downs throughout a season ahead of tonight's meeting with Southampton.

The Whites host Ralph Hasenhuttl's men at Elland Road as 12th takes on 13th with just two points separating the teams in the table ahead of kick-off in LS11.

The Saints have dropped down the top flight standings at an alarming rate since the new year, having taken just three points on one occasion in 2021 so far.

Southampton halted a run of six defeats in a row at the weekend as they held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at St Mary's.

Bielsa - who has seen his own side lose their last two games - admits that poor runs for every team throughout a lengthy Premier League campaign are to be expected.

"Every team has a bunch of negative results," Bielsa told reporters.

"The only teams that don't are the ones who occupy the first few positions in the table. The teams in the middle don't have as big squads. When they're missing four or five players like everyone else, they have to opt for youngsters to make substitutions in games.

"This presents a different reality. That's why the teams who are not the biggest clubs, they need to improve their squads over the period of a few years.

"It's clear to be able to shine in the Premier League you need at least 18 players who can start.

"Throughout the competition it is very difficult to maintain regularity when you lose four or five players who are starters. It all depends on how you manage the situation when players are missing.

"Team will have ups and downs throughout the whole season."