Liverpool FC v Southampton FC – Match Preview
Liverpool welcome Southampton to Anfield this afternoon looking to continue their solid start to the season. The south coast club is not only familiar with the Reds for footballing reasons, but have concluded many transfers in recent years, including that of record defensive signing Virgil van Dijk and striker Sadio Mané among others.
Overview
Liverpool come into this game on the back of five wins in five games so far this season. Last week’s game against Tottenham was considered by many to be a test of the title credentials of both teams. As it turned out the Reds came out on top and remain firmly in the race.
Anfield has indeed earned the term “fortress” with the Reds remaining unbeaten in the last 23 games. The heart says this run will continue today, but the head says anything can happen. And indeed it can.
Southampton in the other hand have recorded only one victory so far this term, having drawn two and lost two of the other four games. As a result, they languish in 13th place. Their five points mean they could be in danger of falling into a relegation battle this season. Manager Mark Hughes will have his work cut out to maintain the Saints’ status as a Premier League team this term.
Head-to-Head
The last five games between these two teams have ended P5; W3; L1; D1. This time round the weight of expectation lies with Liverpool having assembled a squad to rival any in Europe. As was seen in the midweek triumph against Paris Saint-Germain.
In addition to that, Hughes has failed to win a managerial fixture at Anfield. Can he break that duck today? Southampton are unbeaten since losing to Leicester in August so the former Manchester United manager is clearly trying to build some resolve in his players.
Prediction
Despite the positives coming from Southampton, I feel they won’t be able to resist this Liverpool side. There’s just too much quality there. Also, as this game will be at Anfield, I think the roar of the Kop will make the 12th man for the hosts. Result: 2-0 Liverpool.
- Follow us on Twitter: @TheLFCFile
- Follow us on Facebook: @thelfcfile
