Here at SportsCasting, we have the Southampton vs Liverpool preview, prediction, latest team news and predicted lineups ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash.
Southampton Vs Liverpool Preview
Russell Martin Feeling The Pressure
Basement dwellers Southampton take on runaway leaders Liverpool in a seemingly David vs Goliath battle at St Mary’s this weekend.
The Saints have just one victory to their name all season. Now, the pressure is really mounting on manager Russell Martin.
He doesn’t appear to be fazed, though. Martin was pictured with his girlfriend Lucy Pinder enjoying a much-needed break in Cornwall earlier this week.
If results don’t pick up, he may find he has plenty more time on his hands with the former glamour model. As aesthetically pleasing as that sounds, he’d rather not be handed his P45.
Before the international break, Martin’s men succumbed 2-0 to Wolves. That certainly brought the Saints crashing back down to earth after they beat Everton 1-0 the week before.
Their Premier League survival hopes already look slim at the time of writing. Even if they pull off a shock on Sunday, the Saints will still remain in the bottom three.
Liverpool Juggernaut Set To Steamroll Saints
In contrast, Liverpool are riding the crest of a wave. Arne Slot’s side has won nine of their opening 11 fixtures to cement themselves at the top of the table.
Last time out, the Reds beat Aston Villa in a match that was officiated by the now disgraced referee David Coote. A series of videos were released and one appeared to show his dislike for the club and ex-manager Jurgen Klopp.
The 2-0 victory at Anfield saw Darwin Nunez score just his second Premier League goal of the season with Mo Salah notching his eighth.
Away from England’s elite, the Merseysiders boast a 100% win record in the new-look UEFA Champions League format. Again, they are top of the 36-team league at present.
Historically, the Reds hold the upper hand over Southampton. They have only tasted defeat once in the last ten top-flight meetings. However, the last meeting at St Mary’s ended 4-4.
Ahead of Sunday’s match, the best football betting sites in the UK price Liverpool as 3/10 favourites. The draw can be backed at 11/2 with the Saints 11/1.
International break ☑️@premierleague 🔜 pic.twitter.com/FlPRqs3s5D
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) November 20, 2024
Southampton Vs Liverpool Team News
First-choice Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after fracturing his finger in the 2-0 defeat to Wolves.
Key centre-back Jan Bednarek is also missing owing to a knee injury. He will miss the next fortnight. However, Flynn Downes and Ryan Fraser are set to return to the matchday squad.
Yukinari Sugawara is set to play in defence alongside England’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis. The 22-year-old scored on his Three Lions debut against Ireland last week.
Meanwhile, Liverpool will likely be without Trent Alexander-Arnold after he suffered a hamstring injury in the 2-0 win over Aston Villa. Conor Bradley is set to deputise.
Captain Virgil van Dijk has been passed fit but boss Arne Slot after returning from international duty early. However, Alisson and Diogo Jota are definitely ruled out. As too is Federico Chiesa.
Elsewhere, long-term absentee Harvey Elliot is back in full training after recovering from a fractured foot. He could be part of the squad but it’s unlikely he’ll be risked on the pitch just yet.
Southampton Vs Liverpool Predicted Lineups
Southampton (5-4-1): McCarthy; Walker-Peters, Sugawara, Stephens, Harwood-Bellis, Manning; Armstrong, Downes, Aribo, Fernandes; Archer
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Jones, Gakpo; Nunez
Southampton Vs Liverpool Prediction
It’s hard to envisage anything but a comfortable Liverpool win against Southampton. Last season’s EFL Championship play-off winners have struggled on their Premier League return.
Arne Slot’s side are flying this season and have a formidable recent record against the Saints. A tenth top-flight win is very much on the cards.
Prediction: Southampton 1-4 Liverpool
