Southampton vs Liverpool Preview
Liverpool are high on confidence after securing a quarter-final berth in the Europa League. Their march for a top 4 finish continues as they make a trip to St. Mary’s on Sunday for their premiere league clash. Last season, Southampton finished at the 7th position and once again this season they are on the same spot with eight games to play. This fixture can prove to be very critical in deciding the fate of both the sides. Southampton have tough fixtures ahead against the likes of Leicester, Everton, Manchester City and Tottenham. Liverpool on the other hand, have relatively simpler fixtures lined up ahead.
Form
Liverpool: WLDWWW
The Reds enter this game in tremendous form securing 10 points in their last 5 games. Jurgen Klopp certainly has his eyes for a Champions league spot and if the team continues to produce results like these, Liverpool may have a fairytale finish to an otherwise woeful first half of the season. They also knocked their biggest rivals out of the Europa league in the mid-week clash giving them huge impetus ahead of this game.
Southampton: WWLLDW
The Saints have not had a good run of form as they lost 2 of their last 5 games and managing only 4 points. However, their form at St. Mary’s has been outstanding with 4 wins out of their last 6 home games. Ronald Koeman is delighted with the return of Fonte and Wanyama after their suspensions. Saido Mane is also available for the fixture after his suspension was upheld. Southampton will be looking to avenge their humiliating 6-1 defeat at the hands of Reds.
Build-up
Jurgen Klopp does not want his side to ride in the hangover of their recent success and this is what he had to say in a press conference.
“Confidence is a flower. If you step on it then it’s away in a second. It is harder to let it grow than die. But it’s not only about confidence – it’s more about feeling more and more trust in our way of playing. I don’t know how much we ran yesterday but especially in the first game it was really intense. “The players have quality – everyone can see this – it is important we feel better in this style of play.”
With the Manchester derby also happening on Sunday, a win against Southampton can help Klopp’s side to close in on the top 4. Considering the attacking flair both sides bring in, we can expect an open-ended game at St. Mary’s.
Prediction
Southampton 1 Liverpool 2
