Liverpool v Southampton: Preview and Predictions
Southampton will be looking to extend their great record against Liverpool this season come Sunday afternoon. Southampton travel to Anfield in the 1:30pm kick off hoping to build on the recent success against their scouse counterparts.
After a drab 0-0 draw last time out against Hull, Southampton will be looking to bonce back against the familiar foe of Liverpool. There has been a growing rivalry between the two fan bases after many St Mary’s favorites made a move to Anfield for pastures new.
These teams have already met three times this season, a 0-0 at St Mary’s followed by two 1-0 wins for Southampton in the EFL Cup semi-finals. But the game this weekend is seemingly pivotal for both teams.
Whilst the Saints are looking to prevent dropping into the bottom half of the table, Liverpool are trying to consolidate a top-four place. They currently sit four points clear of arch-enemies Manchester United having played a game more. So they are desperate for three points this weekend.
Liverpool most recently overcame Watford at Vicarage Road in a 1-0 win. German midfielder Emre Can scoring a goal-of-the-season contender to win the match.
Why Liverpool will win
Liverpool have an excellent home record in the league, losing only 2 of 17 games so far. The resurgent Crystal Palace inflicting the most recent defeat a few weeks back.
During the 17 games played at Anfield this season they have scored 42 goals, whilst conceding only 18. The front four of Liverpool can at times be devastating, with a recent upturn in form for last week’s match-winner Emre Can helping the cause.
Liverpool have an array of match winners in the squad, Coutinho has previous against Southampton, scoring some absolute net-busters in recent seasons. Firmino and the familiar Adam Lallana also have the ability to win a game with a piece of magic. Keeping all these quiet will be a huge task.
Why Southampton will win
Despite Liverpool’s excellent home record in the league, Southampton managed to inflict a 1-0 defeat in that all important semi final back in February. A counter attacking masterclass won Southampton the game that day. If they can replicate such a performance then surely the three points will be coming back to St Mary’s.
Gabbiadini has been easing back into fitness after a short time out with injury. With Charlie Austin back in training he may have to find his shooting boots again to keep his place. Something which can only play into Claude Puels hands.
As in the EFL Cup win, Southampton will need to be ready to soak up pressure and hit Liverpool on the counter. Much has been said about Southampton’s defence this season, but Liverpool have only conceded 2 less at 42 in the league. There will be opportunities to score, it is imperative that those are taken with aplomb.
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Liverpool Predicted XI
Goalkeeper – Simon Mignolet
Defenders – Nathaniel Clyne, Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren, James Milner
Midfielders – Emre Can, Georginio Wijnaldum, Lucas Leiva
Forwards – Roberto Firmino, Divock Origi, Phillippe Coutinho
Southampton Predicted XI
Goalkeeper – Fraser Forster
Defenders – Cedric Soares, Jack Stephens, Maya Yoshida, Ryan Bertrand
Midfielders – Oriol Romeu, Steven Davis, James Ward-Prowse, Dusan Tadic, Nathan Redmond
Forwards – Manolo Gabbiadini
The Verdict
It seem’s destined to be a tight game, neither team can afford to lose at the moment and both are in indifferent form. Therefore, I don’t expect goals, I don’t expect a whole lot of excitement.