Liverpool prepare for a must-win Premier League match on Sunday, when they host Southampton at Anfield Road. The Saints have an excellent track record against the Reds this season, first they held out for a goalless draw in the reverse league fixture in November and then won both legs 1-0 in the League Cup semi-finals in January. Liverpool have beaten Southampton just three times in the last eight meetings in all competitions, while the Saints also collected three wins during that interval.
Liverpool are third in the Premier League table before this weekend's matches, but both Manchester United and Manchester City have a game in hand on them. The 2-1 setback at home against Crystal Palace two weeks ago has made their season finale a lot more difficult than it could have been, even though they recovered with a 1-0 victory at Watford last time out. Adam Lallana could make his return in the starting eleven after a substitute appearance against Watford, but Philippe Coutinho has missed the last match and could be given a spot on the bench.
Southampton have five Premier League matches left to play this season but they don't have any objective left as the Europa League spots are too far away for them. They have not tasted victory in three matches and lost two of them, last time out they were held to a goalless draw at St Mary's by Hull City. Southampton manager Claude Puel has received some criticism lately and a good result at Liverpool might ease some of the pressure. Charlie Austin and Matt Targett have returned to training after long spells on the sidelines and might be given the chance to play again in an official match.
Probable line-ups:
Liverpool: Mignolet - Clyne, Lovren, Matip, Milner - Wijnaldum, Leiva, Can - Lallana, Sturridge, Firmino
Southampton: Forster - Soares, Stephens, Yoshida, Bertrand - Ward-Prowse, Romeu, Davis - Tadic, Gabbiadini, Redmond
My prediction: Liverpool to win 3-1.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Liverpool win - 1.62
Draw - 4.20
Southampton win - 6.00
05/07/17, 06:05:00 PM
