The Premier League returns to St Mary’s on Sunday as Liverpool, sitting atop the table, take on last-placed Southampton. Both teams have contrasting fortunes and injury challenges as they gear up for a high-stakes encounter.
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Match Preview
Liverpool’s Title Push Under Arne Slot
Liverpool have been flying high under Arne Slot this season. The Reds head into the match with a five-point lead over defending champions Manchester City after a convincing 2-0 victory against Aston Villa before the international break.
Goals from Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah underscored their dominance, and Slot’s side continues to impress in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
Unbeaten in away games under Slot, Liverpool have scored multiple goals in six of their last seven road trips.
The Dutch manager is also on the cusp of Premier League history, as a win at St Mary’s would make him the fastest Liverpool boss to reach 10 league victories.
Southampton’s Struggles Continue
For Southampton, the season has been a nightmare. A 2-0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers in their last outing saw them sink further into the relegation zone.
Despite wins against Everton and Stoke City at home, Russell Martin’s side has been unable to maintain momentum.
Currently sitting four points behind 17th-placed Ipswich Town, the Saints have little room for error. However, they have shown resilience against league leaders in the past, including a 1-0 victory over Liverpool in January 2021.
Team News
Liverpool’s Injury Concerns
Liverpool have been hit by injuries to key players. Trent Alexander-Arnold is sidelined with a hamstring issue, while Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota, and Federico Chiesa remain unavailable. However, there is good news as Virgil van Dijk has been declared fit, and Harvey Elliott could make his comeback after recovering from a foot injury. Conor Bradley is likely to fill in for Alexander-Arnold.
Southampton’s Defensive Crisis
Southampton face a defensive headache with Aaron Ramsdale (finger) and Jan Bednarek (knee) ruled out. Long-term absentees Gavin Bazunu, Ross Stewart, and William Smallbone also remain unavailable. Alex McCarthy is expected to replace Ramsdale in goal, and Yukinari Sugawara might slot into the defense alongside Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
Predicted Lineups
Southampton (5-4-1):
McCarthy; Walker-Peters, Sugawara, Stephens, Harwood-Bellis, Manning; Armstrong, Downes, Aribo, Fernandes; Archer.
Liverpool (4-2-3-1):
Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Jones, Gakpo; Nunez.
Prediction
While Southampton might try to control possession, their lack of finishing prowess and a reshuffled defense are likely to hurt them against a relentless Liverpool side. With Salah and Nunez in fine form and Slot’s tactical acumen shining through, Liverpool are favorites to claim a comfortable victory.
Prediction: Southampton 0-3 Liverpool.
