Southampton host Liverpool at the St Mary’s Stadium in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon in a game that pits the side bottom of the table against the leaders. The Saints have won just once all season, while the Reds sit on 28 points having dropped points in just two games.
By Matt Smith
Saints will be missing key star
Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale will be missing for Southampton against Liverpool after picking up an injury in the last couple of weeks. The England international has undoubtedly been one of the Saints’ key players this season despite their struggles in keeping the ball out of the net.
Jan Bednarek also picked up an injury during the international break while playing for Poland, and the towering centre-back will also miss the Liverpool clash. It’s two huge blows for Russell Martin’s side heading into one of the toughest games of the campaign.
Possession isn’t leading to points
Surprisingly for a side battling towards the bottom of the table, Martin’s men have the fourth-highest average possession in the Premier League, keeping 56.9% of the ball (just behind Liverpool’s 57.4%). Their major issue has been failing to turn possession into clear-cut opportunities, creating just 21 big chances, ranking them 18th in the table for that metric.
The Saints are also giving up a host of chances, with only Ipswich conceding more expected goals (xG) than the South Coast outfit. With Ramsdale missing, who averages four saves per 90 minutes, ranking him third in the league, Southampton’s defence is going to have to be water tight.
Alisson returns to training
Arne Slot received a huge boost heading into this game, with goalkeeper Alisson Becker returned to training after a recent hamstring injury. It will be interesting to see whether Slot brings him straight back into the side, with backup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher impressing.
Trent Alexander-Arnold pulled out of the latest England squad due to injury, so Liverpool supporters will be waiting nervously to see if the talented right-back is passed fit for this one.
Liverpool deserving of first place
Creating more big chances than any other sides while conceding fewer goals per game than the rest of the Premier League is a recipe for sitting at the top of the table. Slot’s men have been free flowing in attack, creating 20.5 xG, while conceding just 9.5.
Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah is showing no signs of slowing down, and is arguably in the form of his life heading into this game. Salah has provided 14 goals and assists combined in the Premier League so far, more than any other player.
Prediction
Last time the two sides met in the Premier League, we saw eight goals as they played out a 4-4 draw at St Mary’s. Neutrals will be desperate for a similar outcome in the Sunday lunch-time kick-off but we’re predicting a comfortable 3-0 victory to Liverpool this time around and considering the form they are in at the moment.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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