Southampton's hopes of beating Swansea may hinge on Cyle Larin | OneFootball

Southampton host Championship leaders Swansea City on Tuesday, and their hopes of victory may rest on Cyle Larin rediscovering his clinical edge.

Sainstmarching.com notes that Southampton shook off a negative points balance with a 5-1 win over Millwall, then drew 1-1 at Birmingham City and Lincoln City.

Larin has four goals in the first five league games. He scored in a 2-1 opening-day defeat to Watford, struck the opener in a 3-1 win against Stoke City, then added a brace in the 5-1 victory over Millwall, including a lob and volley.

His influence dipped in those last two draws. At St Andrew's Stadium he played 69 minutes with 28 touches, missed one big chance and took three shots for an xG of 0.31. Against Lincoln he lasted 62 minutes with 19 touches and two shots for 0.13 xG, committed two fouls, lost possession twice, won one of seven duels and completed seven of nine passes.

Swansea have three wins and two draws from five, top with 11 points, seven scored and one conceded, and are among only two unbeaten sides. Southampton have not lost a home league game since a 2-1 defeat to Hull City in mid-January, a 12-match run.

Saints look capable of upsetting the leaders at St Mary's, but cracking their defence may require Larin back at full sharpness. Léo Scienza and Finn Azaz can create, yet the finishing touch could decide Tuesday's outcome.

Source: Sainstmarching.com

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