Liverpool vs Southampton
Who would’ve thought that, at this point of the season, the defending Premier League champions are trying to salvage their season with an European qualification?
That has been the case for Liverpool as it has been an arduous campaign for them, and now they take their act back home at Anfield to host Southampton.
With the 2020/21 title almost wrapped up by Manchester City, Liverpool are left to pick up the pieces. As of the moment, they are at seventh with 54 points and grabbing as much points as they can will be their main objective in the upcoming weeks.
Jurgen Klopp’s side is hopeful that they can grab three points against a languishing Southampton team, who have fallen to 15th at the table with only 37 points.
Like the Reds, the Saints also need a turnaround as far as their Premier League 2021 results are concerned in order to confirm their top-flight status for the 10th straight season.
Southampton were the winners in their earlier meeting this term, which is why there’s a ton of incentive for Liverpool to grab this victory at home.
Talking Points
Liverpool look to cure their ills
Time is running out for the Reds to stake their claim for a Champions League spot, let alone an European qualification.
Liverpool have dropped to seven points behind the top four as Chelsea, West Ham United, and Tottenham all claimed three points after a free weekend.
The Reds were scheduled to take on the Red Devils at Old Trafford, but it was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.
Hundreds of Manchester United fans stormed into Old Trafford to protest against the Glazer family because of their part in the failed Super League as well as their inability to build a championship-calibre squad.
After having almost a full week of rest, Jurgen Klopp is optimistic that his men will regain their form to make amends for their lacklustre results against Leeds United and Newcastle.
Mohamed Salah remains their main threat out front as he is their leading scorer with 20 goals – good for second in the Golden Boot race. Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota, meanwhile, are likely to join him.
Nat Phillips, who missed the last two games with a hamstring problem, is expected to be in contention at central defence alongside Ozan Kabak and Fabinho.
Southampton face a big lineup headache
The Saints are hoping for a miracle against the Reds since they’ll come in severely undermanned as Ralph Hassenhuttl faces the prospect of missing five players due to various reasons.
Top striker Danny Ings is dealing with a hamstring knock, whereas Oriol Romeu (ankle), Ryan Bertrand (calf), and William Smallbone (knee) are in the infirmary as well. Meanwhile, Takumi Minamino is ineligible to face his parent club.
Hassenhuttl is relieved that Jannik Vestergaard’s appeal was successful after being handed a red card during last Friday’s match against Leicester City. The Danish centre-back should be paired alongside Jan Bednarek at central defence.
With Ings sidelined, Southampton will rely on Che Adams and James Ward-Prowse to deliver and both attackers should have plenty of opportunities to exploit Liverpool’s porous backline.
Like Liverpool, defence is a weak point for Southampton since they’ve conceded a league-high of 40 goals since New Year’s.
History
The Reds have the clear advantage in their recent head-to-heads against the Saints.
In the last 43 matches, Liverpool have won 22 times, while Southampton won in 11 along with 10 draws.
Southampton’s most recent victory against Liverpool came in their reverse fixture last January where former Red Danny Ings scored the only goal within just the first two minutes at St. Mary’s.
Liverpool are unbeaten in their last six home matches against Southampton, winning the last three with a huge aggregate tally of 10-0 – including a 4-0 beatdown last term.
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