Southampton vs Liverpool: Premier League

Southampton vs Liverpool: Premier League – Key player match-ups

By Marc Walker | Aug 17, 2019

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 05: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool battles for possession with Ryan Bertrand of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Liverpool FC at St Mary's Stadium on April 05, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) /

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 05: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool in action while under pressure from Ryan Bertrand of Southampton and Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Liverpool FC at St Mary’s Stadium on April 05, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

Mo Salah vs Vestergaard and Bertrand

The left side of the Saints defence was the problematic area of the team that caused a 3-0 loss at Burnley last weekend.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s back five didn’t work well as a defensive unit, whilst communication also seemed an issue.

On that left side of the pitch today, they will be up against one of the most ruthless forwards in the Premier League in Mo Salah and he’ll be sure to take any chance he gets.

Someone must watch Roberto Firmino closely as he looks to drag the central defenders out of position, but a solid defensive line must also be kept to limit the space in behind for Salah and Mane.