Southampton vs Liverpool Preview

Southampton vs Liverpool Preview

In a reverse fixture of the opening day in form Liverpool travel to Southampton for what could be a crucial match in the battle for fourth place.

 

Two of the leagues in form teams go head to head in a crucial match for champions league qualification. Liverpool have won four out of their last five games while Southampton have won three and drawn one.

 

This will be a tough test for Brendan Rodgers Liverpool, especially after playing in the Europa league on Thursday night. It is no secret that the Europa league can negatively impact the next match.

 

Southampton have the advantage of not playing in Europe similarly to Liverpool last season and we all know how that worked out. The Saints will hope they can use this to their advantage.

 

Liverpool may struggle to crack Southampton and their impressive defensive record. They do however score a good amount of goals and still hold the record league win so far this season with an 8 - 0 triumph versus Sunderland.

 

Liverpool’s defence has also been far more solid of late, with another clean sheet on Thursday. Goals have been more of a problem but the attack does look quick and pacey. Daniel Sturridge will only get  better with more game time which is a positive.

 

The reverse fixture was a tight affair. Liverpool took the lead through Raheem Sterling but Clyne equalised for Southampton. Late on Sturridge secured the win for Liverpool.

 

Hoping to feature will be Liverpool’s three former saints’ players in Lovren, Lambert and Lallana. Lallana may start but is more likely to be on the bench along with Lambert and Lallana. After leaving on not exactly the best terms and missing the home game, Lallana will want to play and make a good impression here.

Markovic may return to the starting line-up after his European ban on Thursday. Also likely to keep his place is the impressive Jordan Ibe who seems like he has been in the side for years, not just a few games.

 

It will be interesting to see what would happen if Liverpool are rewarded a penalty. Mario Balotelli took it on Thursday despite Henderson apparently being the designated penalty taker. Balotelli is unlikely to start however so the situation may not arise.

 

This is likely to be close. Both teams have been in great form and I predict a close game however with the game in Europe on Thursday I can’t see Liverpool winning. I think it’ll be a score draw.