Liverpool will look to continue their brilliant run in the current season in the Premier League when they face Southampton at Anfield on Sunday. The Reds have looked in good touch throughout the season and are firmly on their way to booking a place in next year’s Champions League.
Southampton will be boosted by the fact that they have not lost any encounter so far against Liverpool under their current manager Jurgen Klopp. Liverpool have been beaten once and have drawn the other two matches against Southampton in the Premier League since the arrival of the German mastermind.
Team News-
Liverpool-
The Reds are bolstered by the fact that there might be a return on the books for their inspirational forward Phillipe Coutinho. The Brazilian maestro suffered a dead leg, which saw him withdrawn early in Liverpool’s last matchup against Watford, which they won by a single goal. The only goal of the encounter was scored by Emre Can.
Adam Lallana made it back to the field in The Reds’ last outing against Watford after a long injury lay off that saw him sidelined for five weeks. With both Coutinho and Lallana set to start, Jurgen Klopp can expect to see his side victorious against Southampton for the first time in his regime.
Southampton-
There might be good news for Southampton too regarding their injury list, with their mercurial striker Charlie Austin set for a return to the field. The Englishman suffered a dislocated shoulder in their UEFA Europa League matchup against Hapoel Beer Sheva that saw him out for a long period since December.
Predicted Line-Ups-
Liverpool-
Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Matip, Milner, Lucas, Can, Wijnaldum, Coutinho, Lallana, Firmino.
Southampton-
Forster, Soares, Stephens, Yoshida, Bertrand, Clasie, Hojbjerg, Ward-Prowse, Tadic, Gabbiadini, Long.
Key Players-
Liverpool-
Phillipe Coutinho, if included in the side for the match against Southampton, will definitely be the one to look out for. His pairing with fellow countryman Roberto Firmino is something that can turn the tide in favour of The Reds.
Southampton-
If Charlie Austin makes a comeback to the starting 11, he along with Manolo Gabbiadini will be the ones The Saints will be riding on to repeat their EFL Cup Semi Final performance of a 2-0 win over Liverpool.
Likely Outcome-
While Southampton will look to continue their good run against Liverpool in the current season, The Reds will not let them get away without a fight. However, looking at the current form, it might be The Reds who will come out on top this time.
Prediction- Liverpool 2-1 Southampton
