Unlike most other teams in the Premier League, Southampton are among the few sides, who has gone through multiple erratic patches this term. And thanks to Claude Puel’s mastery from the sideline, the Saints have always come back up and still have a good chance of finishing in the top half of the table.
Southampton currently sit at the 10th position of the league table between West Ham United and Bournemouth with 41 points. However, they have played three games and two games fewer than them respectively. Southampton are yet to play the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool among other clubs, which makes their season far from over.
After a frustrating draw against relegation battling Hull City last week, the South Coast club visit the Merseyside to face Liverpool this Sunday. Anfield hasn’t been the best of venues for Southampton to go recently. They have managed only one win in their last five visits, which was back in 2013. However, new Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hasn’t found success against Southampton until now.
A win could give them a huge boost in confidence and Claude Puel will look for nothing less than three points, which, however, will not be easy.
Possible Southampton XI vs Liverpool
Defence
Fraser Forster will start under the bar. The 29-year-old English shot-stopper has been significant in Southampton’s decent defensive record this season. He has conceded 44 goals in 33 outings and Puel would want his safest pair of gloves against a prolific Liverpool side.
The defensive flanks will be taken by Ryan Bertrand and Cedric Soares. The duo is under the radar for the upcoming transfer window. Especially Soares, who has admirers in the likes of Manchester City and Barcelona. Southampton will have to do well to retain their services.
The central defence is likely to feature Jack Stephens and Maya Yoshida. In the absence of Virgil van Dijk, the duo has been quite assuring for the manager.
Midfield
The two-man midfield is expected to be filled by Oriol Romeu and skipper Steven Davies. Despite having one of the most average midfielders in the league, Southampton have done pretty well to hang on against tougher opponents.
The number 10 role should be taken by Dusan Tadic. The Serbian international is yet another hot prospect this summer and might be playing his last season with Southampton.
Attack
The wings will be taken by Nathan Redmond and Sofiane Boufal. The attack will be spearheaded by star signing, Manolo Gabbiadini.
