Football can be a cruel, beautiful, and weirdly repetitive game. If you’re a fan of either side, the fixture list probably makes you sweat or smile depending on which decade you grew up in. Honestly, the Leicester City vs. Southampton rivalry isn't a traditional "local derby" in the sense of geography, but it has become one of the most statistically chaotic matchups in English football.
From 9-0 drubbings that felt like a fever dream to the gritty reality of life in the Championship, these two clubs seem destined to follow each other up and down the football pyramid. Currently, as we navigate the 2025-26 season, both teams find themselves battling in the mid-table of the Championship, a far cry from the European nights they were chasing just a few years ago.
That Rainy Night in October (and Why It Still Stings)
You can't talk about these two without mentioning October 25, 2019. It was a miserable, rainy Friday night at St Mary’s. Most people expected a tight game. Instead, Leicester City handed Southampton a 9-0 defeat, equaling the all-time Premier League record.
It was a perfect storm. Ryan Bertrand got sent off early—confirmed by a then-new VAR system—and the floodgates didn't just open; they disintegrated. Jamie Vardy and Ayoze Pérez both bagged hat-tricks. Think about that for a second. Two players from the same team getting hat-tricks in a single game. It had only happened once before in Premier League history (Arsenal vs. Southampton in 2003, funnily enough).
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The aftermath was just as surreal. The Saints players and staff actually donated their day's wages to the Saints Foundation. It was a gesture of apology to a fanbase that had to sit through a historic humiliation. But here is the kicker: Southampton didn't fold. They kept Ralph Hasenhüttl in charge, and just a few months later in January 2020, they actually went to the King Power and won 2-1. That’s the nature of this fixture. It defies logic.
Recent History: The Relegation Hangover
Fast forward to the 2024-25 season, and the stakes shifted from record-breaking wins to survival. Both teams were relegated at the end of that campaign, but not before one last Premier League hurrah. On May 3, 2025, Leicester managed a 2-0 win over Southampton at the King Power.
Jamie Vardy, even at 38, proved he still had that predatory instinct by opening the scoring. It was an emotional day; Vardy had already announced he would be leaving at the end of the season. The game even had a bizarre moment where the referee, David Webb, had to be replaced by Sam Barrott after an accidental collision. Vardy, being Vardy, took it upon himself to blow the whistle to stop play while the ref was down.
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Head-to-Head: By the Numbers
Looking at the all-time records, it’s remarkably close. Across 103 meetings, the gap is razor-thin:
- Southampton Wins: 37
- Leicester City Wins: 36
- Draws: 30
In the Premier League era, Leicester has historically had the upper hand with 15 wins to Southampton's 10. But when they drop down to the Championship, the script flips. In their most recent second-tier clash on November 25, 2025, the Saints dismantled Leicester 3-0 at St Mary’s. It was a tactical masterclass that showed just how volatile the form between these two can be.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
There’s a common misconception that Leicester "owns" Southampton because of the 9-0 and the 5-0 win in early 2024. But if you look at the gritty away days and the FA Cup ties—like Leicester’s 1-0 semi-final win in 2021—you see a pattern of high-tension, low-margin games.
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The current landscape in early 2026 shows both teams struggling for consistency. Leicester sits around 13th in the Championship with 37 points, while Southampton is hovering in 15th with 33 points. They are no longer the "too good to go down" teams; they are now part of the Championship furniture, trying to find an identity in a post-Vardy, post-Ward-Prowse era.
Key Players to Watch in 2026
With the veterans moving on, new names are defining this fixture.
- Patson Daka (Leicester): He has shouldered the scoring burden, recently netting in the FA Cup win against Cheltenham.
- Adam Armstrong (Southampton): Still the primary threat for the Saints, his pace in the transition remains a nightmare for Leicester’s high line.
- Stephy Mavididi (Leicester): A source of creative chaos on the wing who can change a game in a single dribble.
- Finn Azaz (Southampton): A 2025 signing from Boro who has added much-needed guile to the Saints' midfield.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you are looking at the upcoming fixture on February 14, 2026, at the King Power Stadium, keep these factors in mind:
- The "Home" Curse: Historically, home advantage hasn't been a guarantee here. Both teams have a weird habit of winning on each other's turf when the pressure is highest.
- Discipline Matters: Red cards have featured heavily in their most lopsided results. If a team goes a man down early, this fixture tends to spiral more than others.
- Check the FA Cup Schedule: The February league game is currently subject to change due to both teams' progression in the FA Cup. Always verify the kickoff time 48 hours before the match.
- Expect Goals: In their last five meetings, there has only been one clean sheet. Both defenses have a tendency to switch off during transitions.
To stay ahead of the curve on this matchup, track the injury status of Taylor Harwood-Bellis for Southampton and Wout Faes for Leicester. These two are the anchors of their respective backlines, and their absence usually signals a high-scoring affair. Monitor the official club sites for ticket availability, as these games often sell out despite the mid-table standings, fueled by a decade of Premier League drama.