Liverpool make their return to Premier League action tonight, completing their 820-mile round trip over the festive period with their away game against Southampton at St Mary’s.
The Reds have kept their unbeaten record going now for 9 games now in all competitions, with their last defeat coming against Atalanta in the Champions League – but despite this, Jurgen Klopp’s side have seen recent draws with Newcastle, West Brom, and Fulham in their last 5 in games that really should have been three points for the club.
Southampton’s recent fine form has started to drop, with just 1 win in their last 5 league games and failing to score in their last two games. The Saints had started the season well and at one point went 7 games unbeaten between the end of September and the end of November – but with a drop in performance now is the perfect opportunity for Liverpool to show the rest of the league that they are the favourites for the title.
So with the game just hours away, what can we expect from the game tonight?
Can Liverpool beat Southampton tonight?
Yes
No
Player to watch out for – Southampton, James Ward-Prowse
The midfielder and Southampton captain has been in fine form for the Saints this season and has really stepped up his game under Ralph Hassenhuttl. From 16 games this season, Ward-Prowse has registered 4 goals and 3 assists and has been a real menace in midfield and from a dead ball with 3 of his 4 goals coming from a freekick.
Not only that but the Englishman has been a real creator in midfield and has massively helped to dominate the middle third of the pitch for the Saints with him averaging just under 70 passes a game with an 87.4% pass success rate.
I think that tonight will be a tough game for the Reds and that Southampton could easily cause an upset especially with Ward-Prowse pulling the strings in the middle of the park – so Jurgen Klopp’s side will need to keep the 26-year-old at bay if they have hopes of dominating the possession of the game.
Player to watch out for – Liverpool, Thiago
The Spaniard has only managed three games for the Reds this season after his injury he picked up during the Merseyside derby back in October but recently made his return to the side against Newcastle last week when he came on in the 73rd minute and impressed despite his lack of time on the pitch.
In just 17 minutes against the Magpies, Thiago managed 23 passes with a 91.3% success rate as well as playing 6 accurate long balls in midfield. He proved an asset in the air too, with the Spaniard winning 5 aerial duels despite his smaller stature of 5ft 7.
I have high hopes that we will see Thiago start tonight after another few days off full training and if he does, then I think Liverpool fans can expect a jump in class in midfield alongside the usual Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum, with the three likely to create one of the best midfields in the league in my opinion.
Score Prediction: Southampton 1-3 Liverpool
Despite the recent draws and worries over the club’s form I really can’t see us losing this game or dropping points if I’m honest. It is very rare that Jurgen Klopp’s side drop points three games in a row and with the thoughts of retaining the Premier League title in the backs of their minds – the players will be wanting to properly return to form and get results flowing again.
Southampton will prove a tough opponent and I don’t doubt the impact that Hassenhuttl has made during his time on the South coast but I just feel the Reds will be too strong on the day and I’m going for a 3-1 win in our favour.
What do you think Liverpool fans, will Southampton prove a tough opponent? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section down below…