Liverpool host Southampton at Anfield on Saturday afternoon in the English Premier League. Jurgen Klopp’s team is scoring freely and needs a win to close the five-point gap at the top on Chelsea. Southampton had a seven-match winless start to the season but three wins in their last five have moved the Saints away from the relegation places.
Liverpool Form
The Reds are playing some exceptional stuff. They have lost just once in 28 matches in all competitions and just once in 21 in the Premier League. They are the only side to have scored in every league match this season. They have scored at least twice in each of their last nine league matches.
After a surprise 2-2 home draw with Brighton having led 2-0, they beat Atletico Madrid 2-0 in the Champions League. They then suffered a shock 3-2 defeat at West Ham but bounced back emphatically to beat Arsenal 4-0 and then Porto 2-0 despite making several changes to their starting XI.
Liverpool Team News
Jurgen Klopp will recall all the players he rested in midweek including Diego Jota, Fabinho, and Virgil Van Dijk. Andy Robertson returned as a substitute and is fit to start this one at left-back. In midfield, Jordan Henderson and James Milner as over their injuries but this match comes too soon for Naby Keita.
Roberto Firmino remains absent with a hamstring injury so Jota will lead the line. Young midfielder Tyler Morton got 90 minutes in midweek but is expected to drop to the bench with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain starting in his place.
Liverpool Motivation
Liverpool will consider anything less than three points and top performance to be a failure. They will be highly motivated in front of their fans but this is an afternoon match so won’t have the same fan energy and noise as a famous Anfield night.
Klopp’s side will press Southampton and look to bypass Saints’ pressing by getting the ball forward quickly into their in-form front three.
Southampton Form
Southampton began this season with just four points from seven matches with four defeats and three draws. That did include a 1-1 home draw with Man Utd and a 0-0 draw at Man City. Their last five matches have seen three victories, all by 1-0 scorelines.
They beat Leeds 1-0 at home before a 2-2 home draw with Burnley having led 2-1. Saints then won 1-0 at Watford and 1-0 at home to Aston Villa. Their last match brought a very disappointing 2-1 loss at lowly Norwich having led 1-0. They only allowed 0.6 xG but produced just 1.0 xG themselves. Southampton has lost 13 of their 17 away matches (W2, D2) in 2021.
Southampton Team News
Southampton remains without long-term injured Jack Stephens in defence. Kyle Walker-Peters will continue at left-back with Jan Bednarek starting centrally. Wingers Moussa Djenepo and Nathan Redmond are both back and will boost options from the bench.
Hard-working midfielder Stuart Armstrong looks set to miss out. Theo Walcott could return to the XI in place of Ibrahima Diallo or left-winger Mohamed Elyounoussi.
Southampton Motivation
Saints are awful on the road and would surely take a point from this match. Ralph Hasenhüttl has been adaptable in the big matches and moved to a back three at half-time against both Man Utd and Chelsea.
They will look to press Liverpool but maybe a little more circumspect than usual to avoid any repeats of their big thrashings over recent seasons.
Key Stats
Liverpool have lost 1 of their last 27 matches
LFC have scored 2+ goals in each of their last 9 PL matches
Southampton have lost 13/17 PL away matches in 2021 (W2 D2), conceding 43 goals
Saints have lost 7 of their last 8 PL matches against Liverpool
Verdict
This match does look to be a Liverpool win considering they’re fine form and Southampton’s awful record against Liverpool and away from home in general. There isn’t much value in a straight win so the handicap could be a good alternative.
Best Bet: Liverpool win (-1 handicap) at 1.80
Value Bet: Liverpool win (-2 handicap) at 3.15
Goalscorer Tip: Salah first goalscorer at 3.40
Alternative Bet: Liverpool to score over 2.5 goals + Salah to score anytime at 1.60
Correct Score Tip: Liverpool 3-0 Southampton at 8.50
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