Liverpool vs Southampton Preview: Reds look to continue unbeaten run
Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool
Surprise table toppers Liverpool will be looking to keep their fantastic start to the season going when they take on Southampton at Anfield on Saturday. Brendan Rodger’s side currently lead the pack in the Barclays Premier League with 4 games played, and are the only side along with Everton who are yet to be beaten.
Liverpool are also on a unbeaten run of 12 games in the Premier League, a streak that stretches to the back end of last season. Interestingly enough, their last loss came at the hands of Southampton – a 3-1 defeat at St.Mary’s in March.
Southampton, on the other hand, have made a steady yet unspectacular start to their season with 5 points from 4 games. Mauricio Pauchettino’s side have been solid in defence, conceding just twice this season. But their numbers in front of goal aren’t too great either, as they have only scored two goals thus far, with one of them being a penalty.
Given the relative records of both teams, a Liverpool win seems most likely.
Liverpool team news:
Luis Suarez serves the last of his 10-game ban for Liverpool and so Iago Aspas and Daniel Sturridge are expected to lead the line again. Brazilian play maker Philippe Coutinho is sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Aly Cissokho (ankle), Glen Johnson (ankle) and Sebastien Coates (knee) are also out, while Daniel Agger is a major doubt due to a muscle strain. Joe Allen may return in midfield after recovering from a hamstring problem.
Southampton team news:
Pochettino is set to have a fully fit squad to choose from. Rickie Lambert has scored more goals for country than club this season, and will be itching to set that record straight, while record summer signing Pablo Osvaldo will be looking to open his account for The Saints.
Key men:
Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool): The England international has arguably been the best forward in the Premier League this season, scoring a goal in every game thus far. Three of those goals were winners. He will be looking to add to his tally in this game, and judging by his lethality in front of goal, it will be no surprise whatsoever if he does.
Victor Moses (Liverpool): On loan from Chelsea, Moses made a terrific start to his career at Liverpool with a stunning goal on debut against Swansea. He will be looking to carry on his good form in his first game at Anfield and with Coutinho sidelined, he will get much more freedom to express himself.
Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton): Schneiderlin is Southampton’s main man in midfield, and it is vital that the Frenchman has a good game if The Saints are to contain Liverpool. He will be up against Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson in the centre of the park – two players who have pulled the strings admirably in every game they’ve played this season.
Schneiderlin, along with Adam Lallana and Victor Wanyama, will have their work cut out as they look to help Southampton become the first side to score a goal at Anfield this season.
Liverpool squad:
Jones, Mignolet, Agger, Enrique, Flanagan, Ilori, Sakho, Skrtel, Toure, Wisdom, Alberto, Allen, Gerrard, Henderson, Ibe, Lucas, Aspas, Moses, Sterling, Sturridge.
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Southampton Squad:
Boruc, K Davis, Gazzaniga, Clyne, Fonte, Fox, Hooiveld, Lovren, Martin, Shaw, Yoshida, Chambers, Cork, S Davis, Guly, Isgrove, Lallana, Ramirez, Schneiderlin, Wanyama, Ward-Prowse, Barnard, Lambert, Lee, Osvaldo, Rodriguez, Sharp.
Manager: Mauricio Pochettino
Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Southampton