Southampton v Liverpool – Match Preview
Liverpool take on Southampton at St. Mary’s in the early kick-off today. Fresh on the back of dumping Manchester United out of the Europa League and being drawn against Jürgen Klopp’s old side, Borussia Dortmund in the quarter final, the side will be looking to build on their recent successes.
Both teams are on equal pegging in the Barclays Premier League with 44 points and a win would propel the victors on level points with sixth place. Southampton could even take the position if they win by more than two goals. Liverpool could also… should they win by more than four goals. On the basis of the mauling todays visitors gave their hosts in the League Cup back in December, it certainly isn’t impossible. Having said that, today’s match is a totally different affair with the Premiership by far being the far weightier prize. Not least financially.
Liverpool could include Alberto Moreno to the squad after his recent hamstring problem in view of the fact that his replacement against Manchester United during the week, James Milner is suspended for this fixture. Jon Flanagan should be able to slot into the position, though, and likely to better effect. Jordan Henderson and Roberto Firmino remain doubtful according to the physioroom.com.
Klopp said in his pre-match press conference that the games against Manyoo should have given the team confidence and some more trust in each other. True. What he also said is that the team has to improve in terms of losing the ball in the wrong positions and then not being able to organise their counter-press quickly enough. Again, true. The team has to be at 100% to get anything from this game. True.
He also pointed to the improvement of Dejan Lovren in recent games and the success of his partnership with Mamadou Sakho. This will be a key feature of this game. I’m not so sure if Lovren is suddenly this reliable centre back that perhaps is being implied. However, to be fair he has been better of late. Only time, and this afternoon will tell if this is one of the many false dawns we’ve seen from the members of this Liverpool side.
The LFC File suggested line up: Mignolet, Clyne, Sakho, Lovren, Flanagan, Can, Allen, Lallana, Coutinho, Ibe, Sturridge.
With Milner, Lucas Leiva and Henderson all (likely) unavailable for this game, it might be that Klopp goes with two holding midfielders and perhaps Lallana somewhere in between the midfield and attack. The choice is Klopp’s and judging by the performances of late, whoever he picks is likely to be up for the challenge. Against United, Crystal Palace and Manchester City, the team has shown a certain grit about them. A never say die attitude which is really pleasing.
I won’t be getting carried away. I’ve fallen for that one before. However, a win would just help the flower of confidence – to use a Klopp-ism – grow that little bit stronger. The team needs it. After this we have the dreaded international break and Lord only knows what’ll happen there in terms of injuries. For now, we have to get three points against Ronald Koeman’s side.
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