Liverpool vs Southampton Match Preview
Our very own Vinolin Naidoo takes a look ahead to Liverpool’s game against Southampton at Anfield. It’s going to be as tricky as it intriguing with Reds target Virgil van Dijk set to line up against his summer suitor.
Match Preview
As the latest round of International fixtures come to an end, Liverpool get back to Premier League action. This Saturday, the Reds welcome Southampton to Anfield. Jurgen Klopp’s men had built up some good momentum before the break. Three consecutive wins had taken the Reds up to 5th place in the league. With a crucial Champions League tie to be played on Tuesday, Klopp may have one eye on that encounter when picking his matchday squad for this weekend.
The visitor’s season has been very average to date. They do not play attractive football and they build their game around their defensive capabilities. Southampton are still a quality side and Liverpool will need to be aware of that. The Saints are unbeaten against Liverpool for the last 5 encounters.
Last Meeting: Liverpool 0-0 Southampton (07 May 2017)
The last meeting between both sides ended in a goalless stalemate towards the end of last season. James Milner had the chance to win the game for the Reds but crucially missed a late penalty with a fine save from Fraser Forster. The Reds have not beaten the Saints in their last 5 encounters and are due a victory on Saturday.
Team and Injury News
Liverpool had received mixed news on the injury front this week. Nathanial Clyne has been ruled out for a further 3 months after he underwent back surgery. Hopefully, he will be back for the crucial run in to the season end. On the other hand, Klopp’s men are boosted with returns to fitness of Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana and Sadio Mane. Henderson and Lallana should play some part of this match, although likely from the bench.
Saints manager, Mauricio Pellegrino has talked up Virgil Van Dijk ahead of this encounter. With constant speculation of rumors linking him to Anfield, he will be keen to impress on Saturday afternoon. They will however, be without Mario Lemina who is still recovering from his ankle injury that he sustained last month.
Predicted Lineup
LFC (4-3-3): Mignolet, Gomez, Matip, Lovren, Moreno, Wijnaldum, Can, Coutinho, Mane, Salah, Firmino
SOU (4-2-3-1): Forster, Cedric, Yoshida, Van Dijk, Bertrand, Davis, Romeu, Tadic, Boufal, Redmond, Gabbiadini
Prediction
Liverpool 1-1 Southampton – This will be a banana skin type of game for the Reds. Southampton will come into this encounter and play on the counter. The Reds should have enough firepower to trouble their visitors but a draw looks likely. Liverpool’s defense still has question marks and the Saints should score. A 1-1 draw looks to be on the cards on Saturday.
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