Liverpool travel to face Southampton on Saturday afternoon as the reds look to remain at the top of the Premier League table.
Jürgen Klopp’s side are top of the league after 11 games and seem to be gaining momentum with every passing week. Their relentless pressing and attacking prowess has made them the leagues highest scorers with 30 goals. Few teams have been able to handle Liverpool, leading to an increasing belief from fans and media alike that come the end of the season, they could be the ones holding the Premier League trophy.
Its been almost a fortnight since the Reds’ last game where they dispatched Watford comfortably at Anfield. Liverpool completely dominated the away side, displaying a rampant attacking performance that typified how far they have progressed since last year under Brendan Rodgers. Sadio Mané increased his tally with an acrobatic header to get the ball rolling before Phillipe Coutinho doubled the lead just minutes later. Emre Can, Roberto Firmino and Georginio Wijnaldum also got on the score sheet.
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The fact that Liverpool have had so many different goalscoreres this season indicates the strength within a side that has been in terrific form. No longer is there a huge dependency on one star man, as there was in the 2013/2014 challenge through Luis Suarez. As a result, opposition teams are facing several threats in different forms – a much harder task to contend with. Having claimed seven points from games against Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs you can understand why confidence is so high on Merseyside. Long may the momentum continue.
Despite their impressive form this season, a trip to St Mary’s poses no easy task to Liverpool. Southampton lie 10th in the table after suffering a surprise defeat to Hull City prior to the international break. After taking the lead early on through a Charlie Austin penalty, Southampton took their foot off the gas, allowing Hull a way back into the match. Later chances were rebuffed by David Marshall, ending a run of six successive wins against the Tigers.
Claude Puel’s side will need to produce a better performance following the international break if they are to keep out of Liverpool. Virgil Van Dijk, who has been one of the most impressive defenders thus far, will face an uphill battle to keep a trio of Phillipe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané quiet. Likewise, Liverpool will need to keep tabs on Charlie Austin who has scored more goals in all competitions this season than any other English player at a Premier League club (8).
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Team News
Liverpool seem set to go to St Marys without Adam Lallana, who has been a real asset this season. The midfielder sustained an injury whilst on international duty with England, and is likely to be replaced by Gini Wijnaldum. However Jürgen Klopp will be boosted by the return of Dejan Lovren, who missed out against Watford.
Jordan Henderson and Emre Can look set to continue in midfield while Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane look set to start also. Philippe Coutinho has travelled with the squad despite having a scan on a tight hamstring, so a place on the bench may be the best the Brazilian can do, with Daniel Sturridge waiting in the wings to start.
For Southampton, Cedric Soares and Matt Targett are doubts, meaning Cuco Martina could start. Pierre Emile Hoijberg and Dusan Tadic are expected to shake off knocks, while Shane Long is sidelined with a hamstring problem.
Prediction
Liverpool have been in tantalising form this season, and the belief in the side seems to be growing week in, week out. Little needs to be said about the dangers they possess going forward with the prolific attacking trio, and I can’t see how Southampton will keep them stifled for the entirety of 90 minutes.
While it will be far from an easy game for the Reds, I fancy them to come out on top and retain their position at the top of the table.
Southampton 1-3 Liverpool
Written by Leanne Prescott
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