Southampton host an in-form Liverpool team in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday. With Saints needing points to stay clear of the drop zone they will be hoping that they can hold the mighty red machine at bay.
Mauricio Pochettino`s men ended a run of back-to-back defeats with a goalless draw at Carrow Road last weekend, and now they prepare to face an improving Reds side under Brendan Rodgers who have recorded three successive league wins going into this Saturday`s contest.
Liverpool will be looking to make it four straight wins where as Saints will be trying to show that the loss against QPR was a blip.
Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher are survivors from the last time Liverpool visited St Mary`s in 2005, a game which finished 2-0 to the hosts. Saints fans will be praying for a similar scoreline to happen again.
Rickie Lambert was on the books of his hometown club and remains a fan of the Reds, whilst midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin recently confessed to favouring Liverpool when it came to watching English teams play as a youngster.
Vital Quotes:
Saints Team News:
Adam Lallana made his return at Norwich and came through 78 minutes of his comeback unscathed, Guly came on as sub for a run out and will be available.
Fox and S Davis may be available.
Player to watch: Artur Boruc
Boruc has come good and I see him as being of extreme importance in this if Saints are to have a sniff.
Liverpool Team News:
Pepe Reina could be back between the posts after the Spanish ‘keeper missed last week`s win over Tottenham with a calf problem.
Player to watch: Steven Gerrard
The Red’s captain will be a major force in midfield and could have one of his barn storming games.
Match Facts & Stats
Saints have a fair record at home to Liverpool winning 18, Losing 11 and drawing 10 with Saints scoring 60 to the Reds 45.
Ref Watch:
Phil Dowd referees Saturday`s game.
Mr L Betts and Mr D Cann assist.
Mike Jones is the fourth official.
Match Prediction:
This will be a stern test of Saints character and I think they will edge it.
1-2
Next Fixtures:
Sat 30th March
Saints v Chelsea 3pm
