- Southampton has not scored a PL goal vs. Liverpool since 2016, a run of 4 games
- Liverpool has never won its first 7 matches in a season in club history
- Southampton has not won vs. any of last seasonโs PL top 6 teams in 24 games
Liverpool finally showed a weakness. Liverpool was finally human.
Until they werenโt.
When the Reds toppled Paris Saint-Germain in the 91st minute on Tuesday, it struck fear into the hearts of the rest of Europe. Can anyone actually stop this whirring machine? Sure, you might score some goals against Liverpool, but can you score enough?
[ WATCH LIVE: Liverpool vs. Southampton on NBCSports.com ]
Southampton visits Anfield hoping to avoid becoming Liverpoolโs next victim Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. ET live on NBCSN or live online at NBCSports.com. The Saints have been a mixed bag so far this season, but coughing up a 2-0 lead at home to Brighton last weekend was a less than ideal way to send the team off to Anfield. Not only that, but theyโll have to match the Reds without top scorer Danny Ings, who is ineligible to play against his parent club.
That thrusts strike partner Shane Long into a solo role, or forces Mark Hughes to bring on the misfiring Manolo Gabbiadini to pair with Long, although the Italian is struggling with a hamstring injury himself and will require a late fitness test to make the squad. Either way, it appears a daunting task for the visitors to Merseyside.
For the Reds, Roberto Firmino is fully healthy, having recovered completely from his eye injury suffered last weekend against Tottenham. Adam Lallana,ย Divock Origi, and Dominic Solanke are all out injured but otherwise the squad is nearly complete. Only Dejan Lovren remains on the sidelines, but even the Croatian is nearing a return from his pelvic injury.
What theyโre saying
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on playing at home:ย โAre we ready to create the best atmosphere of all games? That would be cool. We need to show Southampton how difficult it is to come to Anfield.โ
Southampton manager Mark Hughes on playing Liverpool:ย โItโs a game that is going to test us because the team we are facing looks on top of their form in terms of individuals and the collective functioning really well.โ
Prediction
Southampton has looked promising this season in spurts, but this isnโt the game where they put it all together. Liverpool is a nearly unstoppable force at home, and thereโs no reason that should change. The only concerning bit of information for Liverpool heading into this match is last seasonโs record following Champions League games, when they won just once while losing once and drawing four, but this year has proven Liverpool has a new gear. The Reds will win 3-1, with things shaky for some time down the stretch until a late insurance goal puts the game away.
