Liverpool host Southampton at Anfield this weekend, the visitors having only won one of the last nine meetings between the two sides.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Saturday’s encounter.
Form
Liverpool: DWLWW
After a draw and a loss in their previous two league games, Liverpool returned to winning ways in style with a thumping 4-0 win over Arsenal, continuing their sensational dominance over the Gunners at Anfield.
That victory was their sixth successive win on home soil in the league against the north London side, netting at least three goals on each occasion, with there having almost been an air of inevitability as the Reds romped to a dominant victory.
Not only ruthless in attack, with Mohamed Salah again instrumental, Jurgen Klopp’s side were also able to comfortably thwart their in-form opponents, registering a much needed clean sheet after shipping five in their last two league games combined.
That result has also moved the Merseysiders up to third and just four points behind leaders Chelsea, with it shaping up to be a real battle between those two rivals, as well as champions Manchester City, to clinch the title.
Meanwhile, in the Champions League, the already-qualified outfit made it five wins from five in the group stage with victory over Porto, midfield man Thiago netting a stunning, fizzing volley just after half-time, with Salah adding a second on 70 minutes for his 17th goal in 17 games in all competitions this season.
That clash saw Andy Robertson make his return as a second-half substitute, while captain Jordan Henderson made a late cameo as he steps up his return to full fitness. Versatile veteran James Milner was another to be introduced back into action in the closing stages as the club’s injuries woes seemingly start to ease.
Southampton: DDWWL
After a four-game unbeaten run in the league – having won three and drawn once – Southampton were brought back down to earth with a disappointing defeat at the hands of struggling Norwich City on Saturday, as Dean Smith claimed a vital win on his first game in charge of the Canaries.
Ironically it had been the Saints’ win over Aston Villa in the previous round of fixtures that signalled the end of the road for Smith at Villa Park, although the Englishman exacted revenge with a timely win at Carrow Road, as captain Grant Hanley completed a rare comeback victory for his side.
Having taken the lead inside just four minutes through Che Adams, Ralph Hasenhuttl will no doubt be disappointed to have seen his side go on to suffer defeat against a team who hadn’t come from behind to win a Premier League match in 36 attempts.
The usually reliable Alex McCarthy may have to accept a fair portion of the blame for that loss, the English stopper culpable for both of Norwich’s goals, notably producing a tame attempt to try and keep out Hanley’s late winner.
The South Coast outfit will need their stopper in better form if they are to pick up a rare win against Liverpool this weekend, their last victory at Anfield in the league coming way back in September 2013.
Ahead of Saturday’s clash, Hasenhuttl has been handed a boost by Jack Stephens return to training following the centre-back’s lengthy absence, while Nathan Redmond is set to return after missing the weekend defeat following the birth of his child.
Last Meeting
Liverpool 2-0 Southampton, 8 May 2021
The two sides’ most recent meeting came at Anfield at the back end of last season, with Liverpool avenging their earlier loss at St Mary’s to keep their top-four hopes well and truly alive.
A Danny Ings stunner had clinched victory for Southampton on home soil back in January, although the Saints failed to seal an unlikely double as Sadio Mane headed his side ahead midway through the first-half.
The hosts had had Alisson to thank for keeping their opponents at bay, while the Brazilian recovered well to redeem himself late on after gifting possession to Che Adams, reacting quickly to keep out the striker’s shot.
The Reds then wrapped up the win in the final minute as Thiago Alcantara netted his first goal for the club, the result edging them ever closer to the Champions League places.
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Matip, Robertson; Fabinho, Thiago, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Salah, Mane, Jota
Southampton: McCarthy; Livramento, Bednarek, Salisu, Walker-Peters; Diallo, Ward-Prowse, Romeu, Redmond; Adams, Armstrong
Who is the referee?
Andre Marriner
What channel is Liverpool v Southampton on?
Irish readers can watch, or stream, the match on Premier Sports. Unfortunately, the game is not available in the UK.
What time is kick off?
Saturday 27 November, 15:00 GMT
Odds
Liverpool – 2/9
Southampton – 17/2
Draw – 5/1
Read – Champions League Team of the Week – Matchday five
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