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Southampton vs Liverpool FC: Preview and Prediction

By Robert Molnar

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Southampton vs Liverpool FC. The leaders of last Summer’s pillaging at Southampton, Liverpool head south to St. Mary’s where they will take on a rejuvenated Saints side.

Southampton will look to continue their outstanding season and avenge their opening day loss at Liverpool. For Liverpool, the match is all about remaining in Champions League contention.

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Having underachieved since the side’s victory at Manchester United, Southampton need a win in this match to keep their Champions League march on track. A home loss against Swansea along with their 0-0 draw against ten man West Ham has caused the side to lose ground in the top four.

Sitting fourth in the Premier League, the club are ahead of fifth placed Arsenal by one point. However, the side is also a single point behind Manchester United, making a win this weekend even more important.

Liverpool will also be looking for a win from this match. Leading the pillaging of Southampton this past Summer, Liverpool will look to prove their opening day win over the Saints was not a fluke.

Former Southampton stars Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Dejan Lovren all left the South Coast side this past Summer for Liverpool. They will definitely be looking to lead the charge for the Reds as they return to their former home.

Currently sitting seventh in the table, Liverpool are four points behind Southampton. A win in this match would put Liverpool in a great position to gain ground on the top four.

Key Stats

  • Southampton have allowed the least amount of goals (17) of any Premier League club.
  • Southampton have allowed one or less goals in their last ten Premier League matches.
  • Liverpool have won four of their last five matches.
  • Liverpool has not lost since December 14th at Manchester United.

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Southampton will be looking for return to form in this match. Most of that will be dependent on the play of Graziano Pelle. After starting the season with six goals in the side’s first eight matches, Pelle has not found the back of the net since the Saints win against Everton on December 20th.

With Shane Long and Jay Rodriguez being injured, Pelle has started almost every match for the side this season. If Southampton are to remain in Champions League contention, Pelle will need to find the back of the net.

Liverpool will be looking for a strong performance from Daniel Sturridge. After scoring the sides winning goal over Southampton on opening day, the English star has been cursed with injury problems.

Rejecting a contract extension from Liverpool, Sturridge will be desperate to prove himself of a raise in pay. Should Liverpool win this match, it will most likely come down to the play of Daniel Sturridge.

Both sides need a win in this match. For Liverpool it is to remain in Champions League contention. Southampton need the win to remain in the top four and hold the final Champions League position. I look for the Saints to get it done in this match, taking the win late on.

Southampton — 1, Liverpool — 0

We Are Hooligans Match of the Week Predictions

Southampton will nick a 1-0 winner. — Lou Flavius

Southampton’s tenacity exposes Liverpool’s weakness at the back. 2-0. — Brent Stephen Smith

Special Guest Picker

If Liverpool wants to be seen as a top team in the EPL then they need to show up against Southampton and stop coughing up points. I think Southampton will win 2-1. — Phil Naegely — Playing for 90

Next: FA Cup Quarterfinal Analysis

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