Premier League preview and odds: Liverpool vs. Southampton

Published on: 23/10/2015

Premier League preview and odds: Liverpool vs. Southampton

October 25, 2015 16:15pm - Anfield

Premier League

Jurgen Klopp will take charge of a league game at Anfield for the first time on Sunday when Liverpool go head-to-head with mid-table bedfellows Southampton on Merseyside.

Klopp looking for first win

It has been an eventful couple of weeks for the Merseyside club with a new manager coming in and injuries to key players. The arrival of Klopp also coincided with a run of five games in fourteen days including this weeks debut league game at Anfield. And while the German has yet to lead his new side to victory, they have shown glimpses of what the future might hold during his first two games in charge.

In the league last game, the Reds came away from White Hart Lane with a point after playing out a goalless draw against Spurs. They followed that with another draw against Rubin Kazan in the Europa League on Thursday night. During both games, they had strong spells of possession but were ultimately unable to make anything count in the final third, an area that Klopp will need to address if Liverpool are going to remain in the hunt for a Champions League spot this year.

On a positive note, Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino returned to action on Thursday night and Daniel Sturridge is in contention to feature on Sunday.

Saints unbeaten in three

Southampton are level on points with their opponents but ahead in the table by virtue of a superior goal difference. They are unbeaten in their last three matches and, like Liverpool, have only lost two games all season. In their last game, they took a 2-0 lead at home to Leicester but were eventually pegged back to 2-2 by Claudio Ranieris resilient team.

The Foxes have yet to lose in their four games away from St. Marys having drawn three (West Brom, Watford, Newcastle) and won the other (Chelsea).

Team news

Liverpool are hoping that Daniel Sturridge can take his place back in the squad for this game although he remains a slight doubt. Meanwhile, Captain Jordan Henderson is still at least four weeks away from recovery.

Southampton have a long-term injury list comprising of Maarten Stekelenburg, Florin Gardos and Faser Forster. Meanwhile, striker Shane Long is still a week or two away from recovery.

Recent form (League)

Liverpool: DDWDL

Southampton: DWWLD

Betting odds and tips

The result of this game could hinge on the striking options available to new boss Jurgen Klopp. In the last two games, his team has shown plenty of ability to win possession and move the ball forward, but poor decision making and a lack of cutting edge in the final third has let them down. With Benteke fit again and Daniel Sturridge expected to at least make the bench, their striking woes may be lessened.

Southampton have a good record away from home and will ask some serious questions of Liverpools back line. If both teams play their usual style, it could be an exciting and intriguing clash and the draw looks like good value at 13/5 with Bet365.

Published on: 23/10/2015

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (23/10/2015 15:29:25) but are subject to change.