Liverpool head to the south coast this evening to face relegation-threatened Southampton at St Marys. On paper, the title challengers from Merseyside should record a comfortable victory in such a game. However, football is a funny old game and the trip to Southampton could be a banana skin for Jurgen Klopp’s team.
Southampton game may prove tricky
The Saints are now five points clear of the relegation zone after a run of three wins in their last four Premier League games. The one exception in that run of form was an unfortunate 3-2 defeat at Manchester United after a spirited display.
It seems the home sides form has now turned for the better and Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team will believe they can get something from the clash with the Reds.
After a terrible run of home form in the Premier League, their home form has improved of late. The team from the south coast have now lost just one of their last five home games in the top-flight, recording three wins in the process.
Liverpool cannot afford any slip-ups
This game is potentially dangerous, as players have a natural ability to get motivated for games against their big rivals. However, teams, it is harder for players to be motivated for matches against teams near the bottom of the table.
One of the biggest problems with that is that teams near the bottom of the table are battling for their survival. They often up their game when it matters, which Southampton have done in the last few weeks.
Liverpool have had a tendency to slip-up against the most unlikely teams in recent seasons. Maybe they were complacent and underestimated their opponents. This season it has happened a lot less, which is why the Reds are just a point behind reigning champions Manchester City in the Premier League title race. Liverpool’s only league defeat this season was against City at the Etihad Stadium.
Ironically, it has been City slipping up against unexpected opponents this season, with defeats against the likes of Crystal Palace, Leicester and Newcastle. However, the Citizens have been highly consistent of late in the top-flight.
This Liverpool team seems to have greater mental strength. However, only time will tell if they have enough quality and mental strength to last the distance in the title race this season. If they do, then they will have a fair few top-flight goalkeepers they will need to thank for the triumph.
Liverpool red-hot favourites
It seems like an easy game to call, especially as Liverpool are red hot favourites to beat Southampton at odds of 2/5. However, I do not see this as an easy game for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Some observers would say that the Merseysider’s home game against Chelsea is their most difficult. This game could prove just as difficult, though, as everybody will expect the Reds to comfortably win at St Marys.
Liverpool probably will record a comfortable victory on the south coast this evening. A win would move the Reds back to the top of the table. Hopefully, it will be a good game, though and the Saints can challenge Klopp’s side on home soil.
Can Southampton get anything out of their clash with Liverpool?
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