Liverpool have the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to an impressive 16 points on Saturday afternoon when they host struggling Southampton at Anfield. With Arsenal not in action until Sunday, a win would allow the Reds to further distance themselves from their title rivals, edging closer to securing the Premier League trophy.
However, Arne Slot’s side cannot afford to take their foot off the gas, especially with important fixtures ahead, including the second leg of their Champions League tie with Paris Saint-Germain.
Liverpool’s Strong Form Continues
The Reds are riding high after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash on Wednesday. Despite the tough test from the French side, Liverpool managed to secure a valuable win thanks to a late strike from Harvey Elliott. Arne Slot’s men have shown remarkable resilience this season, and their Premier League form has been nothing short of dominant.
They come into this match having won four of their last five league games, including a crucial 2-0 victory over Newcastle and a hard-earned 2-1 win against Wolves. With a squad brimming with talent and depth, Liverpool are well-positioned to continue their march toward the title, even if fatigue from midweek European action could be a factor.
Southampton’s Struggles Continue
In stark contrast, Southampton’s season has been a disaster. The Saints are rock-bottom of the Premier League, 13 points adrift of safety, and have yet to reach double digits in the standings. Their struggles show no signs of improving under manager Ivan Juric, who has won just two of his first 12 matches in charge.
The Saints have endured heavy losses recently, including a 4-0 defeat to Chelsea and another 4-0 loss to Brighton. Their chances of survival look slim, and they will likely find it tough to trouble a Liverpool side that has kept three consecutive clean sheets.
Southampton’s last encounter with Liverpool ended in a 2-1 loss in the Carabao Cup back in December 2024, and with the Reds in rampant form, it’s hard to see anything other than another defeat for the south coast side.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Liverpool
Arne Slot may consider rotating his squad, especially given the quick turnaround between the PSG match and this domestic clash. Cody Gakpo remains a fitness doubt after missing the win in Paris due to a recurring ankle injury. The Reds will also be without the injured trio of Joe Gomez, Tyler Morton, and Conor Bradley. Despite these absences, Arne has ample quality at his disposal, and the likes of Harvey Elliott, Diogo Jota, and Darwin Nunez will likely take center stage.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Endo, Jones; Salah, Elliott, Diaz; Nunez.
Southampton
Ex-Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana could make a return to Anfield, though it remains to be seen whether he will feature after a month on the sidelines. Southampton will also welcome back Ryan Fraser and Jan Bednarek. However, the Saints will be without defender James Bree. Despite some returning players, Southampton still face a monumental challenge to even compete with a high-flying Liverpool team.
Southampton Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1):
Ramsdale; Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Bella-Kotchap; Walker-Peters, Ugochukwu, Fernandes, Welington; Dibling, Onuachu, Sulemana.
Head-to-Head Record
- Liverpool Wins: 4
- Southampton Wins: 0
- Draws: 1
The last time the two sides met was in the Carabao Cup in December 2024, where Liverpool triumphed 2-1. Historically, Liverpool have had a strong record against Southampton, and with the Saints in disarray, it’s hard to imagine them changing that trend on Saturday.
Match Prediction
Liverpool come into this match with the wind in their sails after a vital win over PSG, and their Premier League form has been flawless. Southampton, on the other hand, have been woeful this season and have struggled against even mid-table opposition. The Reds have kept three consecutive clean sheets and will be confident of extending that streak against a toothless Southampton attack.
Despite the potential for some rotation, Liverpool’s quality should shine through, and a comfortable victory looks inevitable. Given Southampton’s defensive vulnerabilities and lack of attacking threat, a 4-0 scoreline in favor of the hosts seems a realistic prediction.
Final Score Prediction: Liverpool 4-0 Southampton
Key Match Details
- Kick-off: 17:00 SAST
- Venue: Anfield, Liverpool, England
- Referee: Lewis Smith
- VAR: Matt Donohue
With their title hopes firmly in their grasp, Liverpool will look to maintain their momentum as they host Southampton, who face an uphill battle to avoid relegation.
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