Liverpool welcome a struggling Southampton outfit to Anfield on Saturday for the final game before the season takes a long break for the World Cup in Qatar later this month.
It would be the first game in charge of Southampton for Nathan Jones who takes over at the top job from Ralph Hasenhuttl following his sacking after the Saints endured a horrid start to the campaign.
Jurgen Klopp’s side, meanwhile, have put forward their best foot as of late which was on show in last weekend’s hard fought 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur, the first away win of the Premier League season for the Merseysiders.
Klopp decided to field a youthful side in midweek’s EFL Cup third round contest at home against Derby County which saw Liverpool book their spot in the next round of the competition on penalties.
Currently sitting eighth in the league standings, however, is bound to be a concern for Klopp who will be backing his players to perform at their brilliant best against Southampton and head into the World Cup break on a high note.
The last outing on home turf in top flight action will be something Liverpool fans would want to forget at the earliest with basement side Leeds United walking away with a 2-1 win courtesy of an 89th-minute winner which ended Virgil van Dijk’s 70-game unbeaten record playing at Anfield.
Southampton’s last game under Ralph Hasenhuttl finished in a 4-1 defeat to the high-flying Newcastle United with the result leaving the St. Mary’s outfit in the drop zone, a point adrift of the 17th-placed Bournemouth.
WHEN & WHERE?
Date: Saturday 12 October 2022
Time: 7 PM GMT
Venue: Anfield
TEAM NEWS
Veteran midfield man James Milner is expected to return to the Liverpool fold from his recent concussion which would come as a welcome boost for Klopp’s options in the centre of the park.
There would be major changes in the XI for Liverpool who fielded their youngster in midweek’s cup tie against Derby and the Liverpool boss will be looking to bring back his regulars for the midweek contest.
The likes of Arthur Melo, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz remain long-term injury concerns for Liverpool and would not be available for selection.
Joel Matip’s recovery from a calf issue is ongoing and it remains to be seen whether the centre-back would be in the mix to make the matchday squad.
KEY BATTLE
Mohamed Salah vs Che Adams
Salah was on fire during Liverpool’s triumph over Spurs last time out in Premier League action and the Egyptian will be keen to get the goals coming for his side yet again.
He will be provided company in the attacking third of the pitch by Darwin Nunez and Roberto Firmino with the front three key to Liverpool’s hopes of securing the win.
For the visitors Southampton, Che Adam remains their ever-present face in front of the goal who will be looking to make the most of Liverpool’s defensive misjudgments to give his side any hopes of an upset.
MATCH PREDICTION
Liverpool are the favourites heading into Saturday’s tie and we expect them to emerge as the convincing winners.
Liverpool 3-0 Southampton
