Saints find themselves travelling to Merseyside for their next Premier League fixture. Liverpool will play hosts to a side who had the full three points snatched away in the dying embers of the tie against Leicester. This said, the south coast side will be looking to bounce back to form on Sunday.
With talk among the squad that the international break took a toll on the players who were serving their countries going into the Leicester City clash, it can only be perceived as a positive that a full week of training has been allowed in build up to the match.
Saints will be boosted again by the potential full return of Jordy Clasie. Clasie made his first Premier League appearance in a Saints shirt last week, coming on as a substitute, and it is thought that he could be nearing full fitness.
Shane Long, however, will again miss out due to a knock picked up while on international duty. Goalkeeper Stekelenburg will also be absent with Kelvin Davis expected to fill in between the sticks.
Liverpool find themselves under new management and are still seeking the first win under Klopp’s tenure at the club. But, will be without striker Ings, who will also miss the remainder of the season. Benteke is nearing full fitness so should be available to face the Saints.
A hard one to call for sure. I think that it depends almost wholly on which Saints side turns up to Anfield. If the same as the one which beat Chelsea then I think they are in for a real chance of taking all three points back to St. Mary’s.
Liverpool Team News:
Injury List:
D Sturridge
J Rossiter
D Ings
J Gomez
J Henderson
J Flanagan
Player to watch: Adam Lallana
The ex Saints could have a point to prove on Sunday and he could play a huge part for the home side. Lallana looked the only real threat in Liverpool’s midweek Europa League draw.
Southampton Team News:
Injury List:
Shane Long
Maarten Stekelenburg
Fraser Forster
Florin Gardos
Player to watch: Dusan Tadic
Tadic has been in impressive form in the last few matches, particularly against Chelsea when he, at times, made the defence look foolish. With Tadic and Mane flanking the wings, it may be interesting to see how Clyne fairs.
Match Facts & Stats
Last Five Meetings:
Southampton 0 – 2 Liverpool
Liverpool 2 – 1 Southampton
Southampton 0 – 3 Liverpool
Liverpool 0 – 1 Southampton
Southampton 3 – 1 Liverpool
