It’s top against bottom in the Premier League this afternoon as Liverpool welcome Southampton to Anfield.
The league leaders earned a precious result in the Champions League during midweek as they beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the French capital.
Cody Gakpo didn’t train on Thursday and is unlikely to be risked ahead of the second leg against the French champions in three days time. Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez are still recuperating from their respective muscular problems.
Ivan Juric is operating with almost a full squad as James Bree is the only player expected to miss out on Saturday. Several players have recovered from slight knocks and niggles including Jan Bednarek, Kyle Walker-Peters and Adam Lallana.
The latter enjoyed a successful few years on Merseyside, but former allegiances will be put aside come three o’clock. Lallana will be doing everything in his power to help his boyhood club survive the drop.
Liverpool vs Southampton – Match Preview and team news
Form
Liverpool: WDWWW
Arne Slot and his players were commended for their ability to win ugly on Wednesday night as they beat PSG 1-0 away from home.
Goalkeeper Alisson was in inspired form to preserve his clean sheet with the Brazilian making nine saves and preventing 2.26xG. Harvey Elliott made a considerable impact off the bench, scoring the winner within a minute of his introduction.
This afternoon’s game serves as almost an interruption for what is an otherwise crucial week for the Reds. Following the visit of Southampton, they welcome PSG to Anfield on Tuesday for the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie. Liverpool then play Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.
Read – Liverpool predicted lineup vs Southampton ahead of Premier League clash
Southampton: WLLLL
There is a slim possibility that Southampton will go down as the worst Premier League team in history. The current holders of the unwanted record for least points accumulated in a single season is Derby County, with 11 points in 2007/08. Saint need three points from their remaining 11 games to better that tally.
They have lost nine out of their last ten league outings and have conceded 11 times in their last three games. 13 points is the difference between them and safety. The majority of Saints fans have already resigned themselves to the prospect of a swift return to the Championship.
Read – Newcastle star set to miss Carabao Cup final vs Liverpool
Last Meeting
Southampton 1-2 Liverpool, Carabao Cup, 18th December 2024
The last time the two sides crossed path was in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals which Liverpool managed to win 2-1. By halftime the visitors were two goals to the good courtesy of strikes from Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott.
The opening goal came out of nowhere as a disjointed Saints defence allowed Nunez to race clear. Trent Alexander-Arnold had bravely evaded the attention of two opponents at the back before launching an inconspicuous ball forward.
Jan Bednarek’s attempt to intercept the pass ended up providing it with the additional length it needed to find the run of the striker. Nunez took the ball in his stride before sliding a finish past Alex McCarthy
Liverpool’s second arrived shortly after as Elliott drilled into the bottom corner to his side within touching distance of the last four.
However, Arne Slot’s side were guilty of complacency and allowed Southampton back into the contest on the hour mark. Cameron Archer expertly cut inside before whipping a shot beyond the reach of Caoimhin Kelleher to reignite the cup tie.
The managerless hosts were buoyed on by the strike and Archer almost equalised but was denied by Kelleher from point-blank range. Taylor Harwood-Bellis heroically cleared the ball off the line on two occasions, but it wasn’t enough to prevent his side from exiting the competition.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off at Anfield will be at 15:00 GMT on Saturday 8th March 2025.
Who is the referee?
Lewis Smith will be the match official. Mat Wilkes and Marc Perry will assist him while Tony Harrington will be the fourth official. The VAR will be Matt Donohue and he will be assisted by Derek Eaton.
Read – Slot says ‘lucky’ Liverpool earned good fortune at PSG
Predicted Line-ups
Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Endo, Gravenberch; Salah, Jones, Diaz, Nunez.
Southampton XI: Ramsdale, Walker-Peters, Bednarek, Stephens, Harwood-Bellis, Manning; Aribo, Downes; Dibling, Onuachu, Sulemana.
What TV channel will Liverpool vs Southampton be on?
Liverpool vs Southampton will not be televised in the United Kingdom due to the traditional 3pm blackout. You can find where the game is being broadcast in your country here.
Liverpool vs Southampton betting odds
Liverpool: 1/8
Draw: 8/1
Southampton: 18/1
Read – Slot not overlooking Southampton ahead of PSG return
See Also – Eight talking points ahead of the Premier League weekend
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