By Matt Smith
Saints will likely be lacking key star
Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale will likely be lacking for Southampton towards Liverpool after choosing up an damage within the final couple of weeks. The England worldwide has undoubtedly been one of many Saints’ key gamers this season regardless of their struggles in protecting the ball out of the web.
Jan Bednarek additionally picked up an damage through the worldwide break whereas taking part in for Poland, and the towering centre-back can even miss the Liverpool conflict. It’s two enormous blows for Russell Martin’s facet heading into one of many hardest video games of the marketing campaign.
Possession isn’t resulting in factors
Surprisingly for a facet battling in the direction of the underside of the desk, Martin’s males have the fourth-highest common possession within the Premier League, protecting 56.9% of the ball (simply behind Liverpool’s 57.4%). Their main concern has been failing to show possession into clear-cut alternatives, creating simply 21 large possibilities, rating them 18th within the desk for that metric.
The Saints are additionally giving up a number of possibilities, with solely Ipswich conceding extra anticipated objectives (xG) than the South Coast outfit. With Ramsdale lacking, who averages 4 saves per 90 minutes, rating him third within the league, Southampton’s defence goes to need to be water tight.
Alisson returns to coaching
Arne Slot acquired an enormous enhance heading into this recreation, with goalkeeper Alisson Becker returned to coaching after a latest hamstring damage. It will likely be attention-grabbing to see whether or not Slot brings him straight again into the facet, with backup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher impressing.
Trent Alexander-Arnold pulled out of the most recent England squad as a consequence of damage, so Liverpool supporters will likely be ready nervously to see if the gifted right-back is handed match for this one.
Liverpool deserving of first place
Creating extra large possibilities than some other sides whereas conceding fewer objectives per recreation than the remainder of the Premier League is a recipe for sitting on the prime of the desk. Slot’s males have been free flowing in assault, creating 20.5 xG, whereas conceding simply 9.5.
Egyptian ahead Mohamed Salah is exhibiting no indicators of slowing down, and is arguably within the type of his life heading into this recreation. Salah has offered 14 objectives and assists mixed within the Premier League thus far, greater than some other participant.
Prediction
Final time the 2 sides met within the Premier League, we noticed eight objectives as they performed out a 4-4 draw at St Mary’s. Neutrals will likely be determined for the same consequence within the Sunday lunch-time kick-off however we’re predicting a snug 3-0 victory to Liverpool this time round and contemplating the shape they’re in in the mean time.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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