Liverpool v Southampton – Match Preview
Liverpool welcome Southampton to Anfield this afternoon. This will be the final game for both sides in the Premier League before the World Cup. Three points on the table – they will taste even better for a potential winner and should give a boost for the latter part of this campaign.
Preview
Supporters from Merseyside have been treated to different emotions this week. From discovering Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid as their Champions League opponents in the round of 16 to David Ornstein’s breaking story of FSG’s potential sale, to Kelleher’s world-class stops in the penalty shootout, to Klopp’s touchline ban against the Saints. In a nutshell – a roller coaster.
The last game at Anfield in this competition, brought the flood of frustration. It was Leeds who took all the points after the final whistle. To make things worse, Virgil van Dijk was deprived of his 70-game unbeaten record at Anfield.
The Reds come into this meeting on the back of three victories in three displays across all the competitions. They currently sit eigth and are seven points off the Top 4.
Southampton wrapped up their last season with five points above the relegation zone. Right now, they are in there. A poor run of results triggered the Saint’s owners to sack Ralph Hasenhuttl and employ Nathan Jones at the helm.
Southampton have won two matches away from home and registered seven defeats. Moreover, they have bagged four goals and conceded 12.
Head to Head
Jürgen Klopp has met the Saints on 17 different ocassions, registered 11 victories, four defeats and shared the spoils twice.
Southampton haven’t conquered Anfield for five years. Their last victory came in January 2017, when Shane Long sealed the win with a last-gasp goal.
The previous five meetings between these two ended in Liverpool’s favour.
Team News
Following a concussion, James Milner will be considered for team selection. Elsewhere, Diogo Jota, Arthur Melo, Luis Diaz and Naby Keita will all miss the game due to injuries.
Joel Matip has returned to the training, but will remain a doubt, as only has trained once with the team.
Saints, meanwhile, are to be without Juan Larios (adductor), Tino Livramento (knee), Kyle Walker-Peters (thigh).
Summary
Klopp will serve a match ban against Southampton after the Football Association successfully appealed against the decision to only fine the Liverpool manager for confronting a match official. Having said that, it shouldn’t impact players in any way. The assistant coach Pepijn Lijnders is sure to replace him on the touchline.
Finding the back of net away from home has not been easy for Southampton in the previous weeks. A stable partnership between van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate should hold off the attacks. I believe the Reds will deliver and head into the break with happy faces.
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