Top of the table Liverpool will travel to the South Coast on Saturday to take on Southampton who are tenth in the table right now. This fixture on Saturday will be a tough test for the Reds. There are many sides who struggle to perform just after the international break and Liverpool are no exception. Southampton away just after the international will be a big test for their title credentials.
Let us take a look at three key battles those could decide the game.
Steven Davis Vs Jordan Henderson
Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson is having a fine season at Anfield this time out. Throughout his career, he has mostly played as a box to box midfielder but Klopp has installed the English international in a deep-lying playmaker position this season where he has impressed big time.
He has averaged a 88.5% passing accuracy, 1.5 key passes, 5.3 long balls, 4.3 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 1.9 clearances every game this season and has also scored once while setting up twice. The 26-year-old is the player who pulls the strings for the Reds from deep and will face a tricky battle against Northern Irish midfielder Steven Davis.
Davis usually plays the more adventurous role than Romeu and Clasie but will have to go through Henderson if he has to do the damage to Liverpool.
Cuco Martina Vs Philippe Coutinho
Coutinho has arguably been the best player in the Premier League this season. The Brazilian looks unstoppable right now. He has scored five times and has set up his teammates five times as well this season in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old has been a menace from the left flank with his dribbling skills and creativity. On top of that, he is a big threat with his shots whenever he is presented space. Cuco Martina is likely to get an extended run in the starting XI with Soares’ still out and will have to be at his very best to stop Coutinho hurting the Saints.
Charlie Austin Vs Joel Matip
Liverpool have been scoring for fun this season but they have also shown vulnerability defensively. Just once this season, they have kept a clean sheet in the Premier League. The Reds need to improve defensively if they want to go all the way and win the title.
Charlie Austin has been in stunning form this campaign and will test Liverpool’s resilience at the back. Austin’s game is mostly about his aerial ability and Liverpool will turn towards Matip to stop him. Matip is a big guy and dealt with the aerial ability of a striker like Ibrahimović brilliantly earlier this season and should be able to keep Austin silent.
