By Sam McGuire
At a look, it may not appear to be the case, however this has the potential to be a season-defining conflict, for each side.
What’s at stake
Liverpool, one of the best group on this planet proper now having overwhelmed the champions of England, Spain, Germany and France, discover themselves 13 factors clear on the prime of the desk. They put in a exceptional shit on Wednesday evening on the Parc des Princes to assert a 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain.
The second-leg is at Anfield subsequent week. The temptation may be to deal with that tie, however Arne Slot will probably be decided to maintain his gamers centered on the Premier League.
A win for the Reds right here would transfer them 16 factors clear on the summit, albeit having performed two extra video games than their nearest rivals Arsenal. Psychologically although, this could possibly be large.
It heaps all the stress onto the Gunners forward of their match towards Manchester United.
Three factors for Liverpool may not win them the league on Saturday afternoon, but it surely might play an enormous position in Arsenal dropping by the wayside.
For Southampton, a loss would all however assure their return to the Championship. They’re the worst group within the Premier League with 9 factors from 27 video games. They’ll in all probability get extra factors than that notorious Derby County group (11) however not by an excessive amount of.
A win might breathe life into their flailing marketing campaign. And lengthen the assumption that they will keep away from the drop.
Salah farewell tour continues
If that is to be Mohamed Salah’s closing season with Liverpool, he’s going out in model.
The three-time Golden Boot winner leads the way in which within the Premier League for targets (25) and assists (17). He’s on target to shatter the file for many aim involvements. The present file for a 38-game season is 44 whereas Alan Shearer and Andy Cole completed their 42-game campaigns with 47 aim involvements.
If Salah chips in with six extra aim involvements, he steals their crown and turns into the most efficient participant in Premier League historical past. The scene is ready for him to do it towards the worst group within the league too.
Clear sheets
The trendy day recreation is stuffed with knowledge. One metric that’s usually missed is clear sheets.
Liverpool paved the way with 12 they usually’re prime of the Premier League desk. Southampton have managed simply two this season they usually’re rooted to the underside. Solely Leicester Metropolis (one) have stored fewer shutouts.
It sounds easy, however the extra clear sheets you retain, the better it’s to choose up factors. Southampton want to seek out some resiliency, sooner reasonably than later, in the event that they’re to get something from this season. Throughout their final three outings, they’ve conceded 11 targets. They’ve conceded probably the most targets in your entire Premier League (65). They’re up towards the group with probably the most targets (66).
Accidents for each side
Liverpool might properly be with out Cody Gakpo once more. The Dutchman missed the sport towards PSG regardless of travelling with the squad. The Reds are nonetheless with out Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez, that means Slot can’t rotate his defence a lot. That is one thing that may probably be taking part in on his thoughts forward of the sport towards PSG.
Southampton, in the meantime, are with out former Liverpool participant Adam Lallana. Jan Bednarek, Lesley Ugochukwu and Ryan Fraser are additionally anticipated to overlook out.
Prediction
If Liverpool are critical about getting this Premier League title wrapped up, three factors ought to be a formality towards Southampton. So we’re going with a 3-0 win.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
You may observe each Premier League recreation with FotMob this season — that includes deep stats protection, xG, and participant rankings. Obtain the free app right here.